sub-area committee meetings 3/26, 3/27, 3/28 - …€¦ · chattahoochee riverlands greenway study...

SCAPEGRESHAM SMITHBIOHABITATS NEW SOUTH ASSOCIATES DR. NA'TAKI OSBORNE JELKS DR. RICHARD MILLIGAN EDWARDS-PITMAN

CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERLANDS GREENWAY STUDY

SUB-AREA COMMITTEE MEETINGS3/26, 3/27, 3/28

SUBMITTED ON 04/11/2019

SUB-AREA 1 COMMITTEE DESIGN WORKSHOPROSWELL RIVER LANDING, 03/26/19

ATTENDANCE • Chris Scalley (Rivers Through Atlanta)

• David Smith (Recreation Commission and the City of Roswell)

• Irene Sanders (Johns Creek)

• Jack Hausmann (Johns Creek)

• Jay Small

• Jeffrey Leatherman (City of Roswell)

• Kimberly Greer (Johns Creek Assistant City Manager)

• Marcie Moore (Gwinett County)

• Michael Perry (City of Sandy Spring)

• Nancy Diamond

• Nancy Geisler (Vinings Neighborhood)

• Nikki Belmonte (Atlanta Audubon)

• Steve Levetan (Sandy Springs Conservancy)

• Timothy Rainey (Army Corps)

• Grace Teborek (Atlanta Rowing Club)

• Mark Gernazian (Atlanta Cycling)

• Deanna Greco (NPS - CRNRA)

• Henning Von Schmeling (CNC)

• Phillip Hodges (CPC)

• Cathy Barnard (CPC)

• Sarah Boyer (CPC)

• Steve Graessle (Sugar Hill)

• Jason Ulseth (Chattahoochee Riverkeeper)

AGENDA1. 6:00pm Sign In

2. 6:15pm Presentation

3. 6:45pm Break-out Session

4. 7:45pm Report Out & Next Steps

NOTES

PROTECT– ex. How can the greenway prioritize access and conservation?

• The Greenway should address erosion of upstream tributaries, a result of development pressure – Cauley and Johns Creek – partnerships are critical

• Providing access allows people to care for the River

• Protect and improve tree canopy

• Protect the corridor for birds (180 species) with creation of birding trails and space for bird refuge

• Navigate issues with parking demand – bring about a culture shift from people who drive 2 miles to walk 4 - People park and fish outside of the parks because parking is limited.

• Address safety concerns with dam releases – not a good warning system, flooding concerns north of Morgan Falls Dam

• Protect unique mudflat near Vickery creek with bat habitat

• Protect ecological resources

• Protect and bring people to the shoals (example = jones bridge shoals)

INVITE – ex. Should the greenway be a continuous linear public path along the river or a network of loops and destinations?

• A linear path like the C&O canal with loops in some areas

• Points of activity with natural connections

• The Greenway should connect along tributaries

• Diversify programming between park units

• Connectivity between CRNRA units should be prioritized

• Smart branching

• Cities will be responsible for connecting back to the RiverLands

• Explore feasibility of thematic trails with information about historic mills

• Mapping sewer easements might help identify potential alignments

• Pedestrian bridges across the river should be studied (ex. Sandy Springs to East Cobb)

ENGAGE – ex. How can the greenway avoid displacing underserved communities while incentivizing economic development?

• Connect MARTA to the river

• Parks are not currently accessible to people without a car

• Look at Economic Development precedent in Columbus, GA – generated $150 mill in 6 years, catalyst for development

• Important to connect back out to communities along River

REDEFINE – ex. Should the greenway be a national, regional, or local destination?

• Should be more accessible than Shenandoah

• Make accessible to people visiting Atlanta for conferences

• Some concerns raised regarding too many people

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SAC 1 Design Workshop Break Out Session Table 1

SAC 1 Design Workshop Break Out Session Table 2 SAC 1 Design Workshop Break Out Session Table 2

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MAP DOCUMENTATION FROM SUB-AREA 1 DESIGN WORKSHOP

SAC 1 Map Table 1 SAC 1 Map Table 2 SAC 1 Map Table 3

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SAC 1 Design Workshop Map

SAC 1 Design Workshop Map SAC 1 Design Workshop Map

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SAC 1 River Over Time Presentation

SAC 1 Design Workshop Tables SAC 1 Design Workshop Table 3

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COMMENTS FROM SUB-AREA 1 DESIGN WORKSHOP ATTENDEES

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COMMENTS FROM SUB-AREA 1 DESIGN WORKSHOP ATTENDEES CONTINUED...

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COMMENTS FROM SUB-AREA 1 DESIGN WORKSHOP ATTENDEES CONTINUED...

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SUB-AREA 2 COMMITTEE DESIGN WORKSHOPCITY OF SOUTH FULTON CITY HALL, 03/27/19

ATTENDANCE • Adam Betuel (Atlanta Audubon)

• Brett Davidson (SORBA - Sope Creek Trails)

• Carly Queen (Groundwork Atlanta)

• Councilwoman Dr. Catherine Rowell, (South Fulton City Council, District 1)

• Christopher Pike (City of South Fulton)

• Donna Stephens (Proctor Creek Stewardship Council)

• Councilman Dustin Hillis (City of Atlanta, District 9)

• Elliott Henington (Cobb Recreation Board)

• Gil Prado (Boulevard CID)

• Gregg Corlew (Legacy’s External Affairs Chairman)

• Jennifer Fine (Invest Atlanta)

• John Skach (Atlanta Housing)

• Keith Sharp (Riverwalk Atlanta)

• Lee Harrop (Westside Future Fund)

• Ligia Florim (Cobb DOT)

• Michelle Macauley (Former Fulton County Land Acquisitions Manager)

• Richard Dagenhart (Georgia Institute of Technology)

• Roberta Cook (Riverline Historic Area)

• Robin Meyer (Mableton Improvement Coalition)

• Susan Rutherford (City of Atlanta DWM)

• Allison Brady (Providence Neighborhood)

• Paul Raulet (Raulet Property Partners)

• Stacy Blakley (Keep South Fulton Beautiful)

• Elena Shaw Fash (Groundwork Atlanta)

• Kathy Hearn (Riverside Kate)

• Markum Smith (TPL / SDA)

• Lee Kolber (Chattahoochee NOW)

• Richard Hathcock (City of South Fulton)

• Naeema Gilyard, City Council - City of South Fulton

• Carmalitha Gumbs, City County - City of South Fulton





NOTES


• Prioritize access to forgotten section of the River

• Access = Conservation

• Incentivize clean industry

• People need to see and know where the River is

• River needs to be able to do its job – flood capacity, drainage, tributary health

• Each district has watershed improvement plans – look at drainage basins by stream order

• Coal ash pollution near Plant McDonough

• Change perception around water quality – now better!

• Lots of development pressure on West side the River in Sub-Area 1 – focus on ecological protection


• Connect to the Silver Comet Trail

• Connect to the Beltline

• Connect to the Proctor Creek Greenway

• Need more outfitters

• Map rail easements – unused rail tracks

• Silk Sheets is the best route in the area for bike groups


• Maintain history and character – highlight each community legacy

• Plan for affordable housing

• Consider public vs private access

• Consider racial equity

• Puncture Industrial park – Fulton Industrial has no access for 9 miles, 22,000 workers need place to eat lunch, exercise, etc.

• Provide inclusive access options - access for all abilities

• Focus development to create destinations – Sweetwater Creek State Park is a gem, Austell Plantation, more ferries were along this area

• Read Green Law Study on Fulton Industrial Blvd

• Provide job training opportunities

• 3-4 access pts for Atlanta

• Engage with communities directly to see what type of trail they want/where they want access


• Need to create a new identity

• Focus locally, won’t matter nationally or regionally otherwise

• Brand the Sub-Areas

• Don’t want another six flags – national tourism equals lots of cars/parking

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SAC 2 Design Workshop Break-out Session Table 2

SAC 1 Design Workshop Introduction SAC 2 Design Workshop Reporting Back

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SAC 2 Map Table 1 SAC 2 Map Table 2 SAC 2 Map Table 3

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SAC 2 Design Workshop Map Table 3SAC 2 Map Table 4

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"First of all let me say how excited I am to be a part of this study. I have spent most of my life in the immediate vicinity of the Chattahoochee and spent over 20 years fighting negative development and uses on its banks. We have two landfills (one unlined), two sewage treatment plants, an asphalt recycling plant, a cement factory, a Georgia Power Plant, and a now defunct garbage incinerator all along the banks of the river within a couple of miles from each other. While we were unsuccessful in stopping the landfills, we did prevent them from adding to them a truck-to-rail transfer facility. We also prevented the Hartsfield Incinerator from being retrofitted to burn over 50% of Atlanta’s waste. We were able to stop Blue Circle Cement (now Argo’s) from burning hazardous waste as a fuel subsidy in their kiln. I have always dreamed of having the uses now being proposed developed along the River.

I want to highlight the rich history around the Standing Peachtree area in Bolton. Evidence of occupation of the site date back to prehistoric times. Later the Creek and Cherokee Indians lived there, building mounds, which have now been destroyed for the purpose of building the sewage treatment plants. A fort was constructed there during the war of 1812 and white settlers soon followed. They built a ferry crossing the Chattahoochee here and roads were built along what was the ancient Peachtree Trail. This is, in fact, where “Peachtree” began being used in Atlanta. The first Post Office in what is now Atlanta was established at Standing Peachtree in 1837. This area was heavily involved in the Civil War. After the War a Prison Farm was built along the nearby Peachtree Creek, where it remained into the 1930’s. The area also has much railroad history and was where the first station was built for Atlanta’s trolley system where the River Line ran.

This is but a brief sketch of our illustrious history but I do hope that it will be highlighted along this portion of the corridor.

I look forward to our next planning session and appreciate all your efforts on this project.

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SUB-AREA 3 COMMITTEE DESIGN WORKSHOPHISTORIC BANNING MILLS, 03/28/19

ATTENDANCE • Alan Merrill (City Council, Chattahoochee

Hill Country Conservancy)

• Carol Mitchell (FOMR)

• Diana Wilson (City of Chattahoochee HIlls, Parks Commission Chair)

• Donna Holder (Historic Banning Mills)

• Doug Mabry (Historian of Moore's Bridge and McIntosh Reserve)

• Jerry Stober (University of Washington)

• Jett Hattaway (City of Chattahoochee HIlls, Planning Commission & ChattNOW)

• Michelle Hamner (Atlanta Audubon)

• Mitch Clifton (Prof. Comp. Science)

• Scott Eldredge (Carroll County Historical Society)

• Tim Chowns (West Georgia U & FOMR)

• Mayor Tom Reed (City of Chattahoochee Hills)

• Henry Jacobs (Chattahoochee Riverkeeper)

• Ross Miller (FOMR)

• Randa Harris (FOMR)

• Pete Edmonson (MTB Atlanta)

• Brett Davidson (MTB Atlanta)





NOTES


• The more people that are involved in the river, the more people will care. Want to provide access so that more people feel involved, take pride and ownership, and help care for the river – want people to feel connected.

• There are different types of access for different people; all of it is important at different points along the river

• Recreation vs. transportation vs. conservation – it’s all important; question is how to balance or achieve all of the above


• It’s a question of scale – large parcels can serve multiple purposes

• Few intact large parcels that could provide significant habitat outside of Sub-Area 3; these present rare opportunities

• Several parcels adjacent to/near McIntosh Reserve have been sold and are beginning to be developed; need to be proactive where possible

• Look at places to cross the river – maybe greenway criss-crosses

• This could be a way to avoid impacting properties where a greenway would not be welcome – change sides of the river

• Identify PATH Foundation property

• Banning Mills is applying for designation on the National Register of Historic Places – ongoing effort


• Columbus, GA – example of how to integrate the river into downtown and make it part of the fabric of the community and developments

• Provide opportunities for families walking, pushing strollers; more social interaction

• Landownership could guide the Greenway alignment


• Strong consensus that it should be more than just regional attraction eventually

• Grow naturally from local attraction to national destination

• Water trail encourages eco-tourism, very easy to start

• Offer quiet experiences on and along the river

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SAC 3 Design Workshop Boards

SAC 3 Design Workshop Introduction SAC 3 Design Workshop Break-out Session Table 1

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SAC 3 Map Table 1

SAC 3 Map Table 2


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SAC 3 Design Workshop Map Table 2

SAC 3 Design Workshop Map Table 1 SAC 3 Design Workshop Map Table 2

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WATER TRAIL

Due to the existing public realm that is the Chattahoochee River, a complete water trail would be an ideal start to providing distributed access along the sub-section 3 of the study area. Local stakeholders such as the City of Chattahoochee Hills are already actively working towards establishing such a water trail on the 18 mile stretch of the Chattahoochee from Campbellton Park (18 acres) to our as yet unnamed southern River Park (over 200 acres).

A water trail would capitalize on the existing recreational tourism in our area, currently concentrated in equestrian eventing and cycling. There is currently a 25 mile gap between the first two launch sites on this section of the Chattahoochee. An ideal water trail requires distances between launch sites of no more than 5-8 miles, allowing for equal access to a variety of paddlers. There are already four developed launch sites on the southern end of this section of river between Moores Bridge Park and Chattahoochee Bend State Park, so adding an additional four access points to the north in Chattahoochee Hills would allow for more complete recreational access to the entire southern end of this study.

ACCESS AS A PRIORITY

Access to the river would seem to be the highest priority when it comes to the sub-area 3. Our section of river is by far the least accessible and the most vulnerable to pollution and neglect due to our juxtaposition to Atlanta and Fulton Industrial Boulevard. With these challenges in mind, it also represents the greatest opportunity for a pristine and contiguous greenway. Because of its large parcels, abundant public lands and recreational appeal there exists a tremendous opportunity to link the river back to existing communities, parks, trail systems and encourage more recreational use of the river itself.

Ecological regeneration and conservation, social equity and economic development can all be tied back to providing distributed access to the river. Increased access to the river will ultimately lead to higher EPD restrictions on utilitarian uses of the Chattahoochee and its watershed while providing local economies with the opportunity to benefit directly from eco-tourism as they begin to see the river as an asset instead of a barrier to industry.

CONNECTING EXISTING PARKS

CAMPBELLTON PARK

There are a large number of parks throughout the study area, many of which exist in sub-area 3. Campbellton Park sits on the northern section of this sub-area and is in the process of being developed as the first launch site for the Chattahoochee Hills water trail. This park presents an opportunity for an outfitter station and potential multi-use development which could help promote the entire sub-area 3 due to its position as a gateway to a well-defined rural transect of the study area.

COCHRAN MILL PARK

Located south of Campbellton Park, Cochran Mill Park is one of the most frequented parks south of I-20. With over 20 miles of multi-use trails and one of the Chattahoochee River’s greatest tributaries, Bear Creek, Cochran Mill Park attracts thousands of mountain bikers, hikers and equestrian tourists every year. Bear Creek flows through the park and feeds into the river along land which is currently held by South Fulton Municipal Regional Water and Sewer Authority as this section was at one time intended to be a reservoir. This presents an opportunity for a connecting multi-use trail from the park to the river and another potential boat launch.

HUTCHESON FERRY PARK

Hutcheson Ferry Park lies just outside of Serenbe on Hutcheson Ferry Rd, just south of Cochran Mill Park. A master plan for this park will be completed by May 2019 and follows a theme of a smaller park with dense amenities such as restrooms, pavilion, amphitheater and walking path. This park would be an ideal site for a multi-use path to connect through Serenbe and ultimately to the river.

CAPPS FERRY

Capps Ferry Bridge is not currently developed as a recreational area, but its location lends itself to a prime access point on the river. Georgia Department of Transportation Right of way along the bridge might easily be used for a small launch point on the river’s water trail. The proximity to Foxhall resort would also have an appeal for guests of that venue or those looking

to have lunch at one of their restaurants on the river.

(SOUTHERN) RIVER PARK

Our as yet unnamed southern River Park would serve as the southernmost access point on the Chatt Hills water trail. This park has potential for multi-use trails, camping and a boat launch.

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES

Possibly one of the most important elements of this study and any subsequent projects is the connecting of the river back to adjacent communities. One such example is understanding the local perception of the river for each community in which you work. Each will likely have its own unique objectives for a future greenway.

The City of Chattahoochee Hills for example is already working diligently on developing its own 18-mile water trail, so perhaps this would be a good starting place to focus since stakeholders are already engaged and invested in the project. Another example is the TDR ordinance which exists in Chatt Hills as a way to encourage dense nodal development while conserving up to 70% of the city’s land thus maintaining a rural character. This may be an opportunity for us to work with city leaders to shift open space requirements into the greenway corridor from developments throughout the city. This would help with land procurement and would ensure permanent conservation and access along the greenway.

Another example of community partnership would be the recent move of the Rodale Institute and the Conservation Fund which have both made commitments in the area to procure and conserve land for agricultural use. Some of this land may be identified along the greenway corridor where a partnership could lead to recreational access through a portion of the agricultural land being procured through this program.

These are just a few examples of how strong partnerships with local government and NGO’s can lead to an effective land procurement strategy and engage a broader base of stakeholders throughout the sub-area.

“What river runs through the capital of Georgia?” is a question befitting Final Jeopardy on television. Outside of Georgia and Alabama, the Chattahoochee River is a “well-kept secret.”

The longest section of this part of The River is the western border of Chattahoochee Hills, a city ironically named after a river to which its residents currently have no public access. The River is described as unspoiled; it is quiet (except for a great many species of birds) and its banks are forested and seldom is a building in sight. Kayaking here is truly therapeutic.

The City of Chattahoochee Hills already envisions the installation of three or four public boat launch sites, spaced to enable people to paddle kayaks and canoes five to seven miles between access and egress. This and many land-based attractions such as the mountain bike trails of Cochran Mill Park and the “silk sheets” network of country roads popular for cyclists from all over the Atlanta Region, plus new experiential attractions can establish tourism as one leg of economic development for Chattahoochee Hills and beyond. Access and conductivity via trails are critical to the synergy of the water and the land. Thus, the study’s scope of one-mile-on-each-side of The River may limit the effectiveness of a holistic master plan.

Chattahoochee Hills is planned as deliberately rural, preserving the natural and agricultural landscape while enabling mixed-use conservation developments, like Serenbe, to be scattered throughout the 40,000 acre city. Increased population and rural are not mutually exclusive. Being thoughtful is the key. Likewise, bringing people to enjoy the natural beauty of the Chattahoochee River does not spoil The River but introduces it to people who will want to enhance it by collecting litter along the banks and advocating for improved water quality. The experience of the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper confirms this.

The cultural value of the people in Chattahoochee Hills is to protect its natural beauty. We aim to strike a balance between nature and development. “There is no heavier burden than a great opportunity.” The leaders in the area accept that burden and strive to create a place where the well-being of future generation is paramount. Cooperation with other cities in South Fulton County is likewise embedded in the city’s culture.

The view from 30,000 feet: The corridor from the

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Aerotropolis to Foxhall Resort and beyond may well be the greatest opportunity for economic development in the entire state (no small promise in the largest state east of the Mississippi River). This potential is high-quality commercial and residential development. Such growth requires infrastructure in utilities, ranging from sewer to fiber optic cable, transportation (vehicular and transit) and significant upgrading of public education. These are basics for virtually all economic development. What can both improve well-being and differentiate this corridor? The answer: the conservation of the natural environment, the experiential attractiveness of public access and related venues (like Cochran Mill Park), and the benefits of “living in nature” that foster good health and productivity. Right now is the time to capitalize on the opportunity this study affords to do something exceptional on the world stage.

Immediate and significant infrastructure needs are required to combat runoff issues;

This is one of the most impacted stretches of the river but the impact may afford an opportunity to embrace that characteristic with more desirable uses such as breweries, clean tech uses, artisan makers and other light industrial type uses, etc. Possible to come up with branding for the sub-area recognizing and embracing the area's history of industrial uses (Sweetwater Mill) and current industrial nature rather than trying to fight it. (Maybe the RiverYards? or something similar??).

To the extent development is desired or will occur along the greater greenway this area may afford an opportunity to focus development on these already impacted sites and have them redeveloped in an environmentally responsible way potentially sparing other less impacted areas on the river.

cost of environmental remediation will be an impediment to re-visioning. Policy and resources that can mitigate cost and procedural difficulties will be needed.

This area is different from other areas in that fewer residential uses are immediately abutting the river. However, displacement of industrial uses may get push back from entrenched landowners. Also, changing uses in the area could cause conflict as uses that are not as compatible with industrial get introduced.

If industrial uses are displaced it should be evaluated if such losses might impact jobs for the immediate

surrounding communities and cause equity issues. Consensus seemed to be that the current industrial uses were regional draws, but something to consider.

Many of the historic ferry crossings in the area may give an opportunity for story-telling and design nodes

Concern was raised about the RiverLands becoming a national attraction and how that may impact immediate neighborhoods. This concern may be more generally applicable to the RiverLands as a whole, but seemed like some people translated "national attraction" as meaning something akin to Six Flags or an amusement park. That interpretation surprised me but may be worth considering in future messaging.

SNAKE CREEK & BANNING MILLS, CARROLL COUNTY

Erosion by downcutting along the Chattahoochee River forces downcutting on tributary streams. However, the Chattahoochee has two major advantages over its tributaries. It has a much greater discharge, and exploits the zone of weakness caused by shearing along the Brevard fault zone. Although, they have lower discharge (less energy) and cut through more resistant rock, tributaries like Snake Creek must keep pace with erosion along the trunk stream. In consequence the tributaries have steep gradients and erode narrow ‘v’ shaped valleys or gorges, with numerous rock outcrops, waterfalls and rapids; ideal locations for the utilization of water power.

The first mill on Snake Creek was constructed in 1847 by John and William Bowen for the manufacture of either cotton or wool yarn. This was the first textile mill in Carroll County and led to the growth of the bustling town of Bowenville (population 1500). Over time, the textile mill was joined by a paper mill, pulp mills, saw, flour and shingle mills; a complex of ten mills supported by five dams with associated raceways. In 1883 the name was changed to Banning to avoid confusion with nearby Bowersville and Brownsville (Holder, et al. 2012).

The fortunes of the cotton and paper mills fluctuated through fires, a boiler explosion, the civil war, numerous financial crises and changes in ownership until 1970 when the textile mill closed permanently. Since 1972 and especially after 1998, when the property was purchased by the Holder family, Banning Mills has been developed as a popular recreation area and adventure resort.

Reference: Holder, M, Holder D., Mabry, D, 2012, Historic Banning Mills, since 1826; a legacy of leadership; 113 p; privately published.

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sub-area committee meetings 3/26, 3/27, 3/28 - …€¦ · chattahoochee riverlands greenway study...

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