PlanFirst Success Stories 2021

City of Adel

Southwest Medical Project

The City of Adel’s 2015 comprehensive plan included an opportunity to “maintain the quality of the existing hospital system.” This led to the retention of a hospital facility for the community in which 250 jobs were saved, 100 positions were added, and development was spurred along the Exit 37 interchange. 

City of Bainbridge

Stormwater Identification, Inspection, and Mapping Effort

For its issue of floods, the City of Bainbridge moved forward to convert its paper maps to GIS mapping when finding its stormwater infrastructure. This accomplishment allowed for new data to be incorporated into a model for sanitary sewer, water, and gas systems while identifying and solving the city’s problem of flooding.

City of Centerville

Center Park at Centerville

On December 5, 2020, Center Park opened to the public after over 14 years of planning and preparing. With its introduction, the park creates an exceptional quality for all residents and visitors while allowing entertainment and recreational opportunities.

City of Cornelia

Cornelia Municipal Complex

For the City of Cornelia, the construction and completion of a new municipal complex addressed several needs within the community and the comprehensive plan. The community has been supportive and praised the efficiency and convenience of one building, leading to the space being requested for civic club, community engagement, and ancillary meetings.

City of Dublin

Trail Connectivity at US 441 and Interstate 16 Interchange

The City of Dublin decided to include the construction of a walking trail that connected hotels at the US 411 and I-16 interchange to the Oconee Fall Line Technical College Campus (OFTC). With its competition in January 2021, the walking trail is an example of how collaboration can help complete goals and how tourism, connectivity, and placemaking can be accomplished in one project.

City of Fitzgerald

City of Fitzgerald Mural Series Project

The Fitzgerald-Ben Hill Arts Council and the City of Fitzgerald’s Department of Tourism, Arts & Culture had led the facilitation and creation of murals through the Historic Downtown area. The project brought light to the absence of murals and public art throughout the community and will allow additional partnerships and opportunities to use art as a means to improve the quality of life in Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County.

City of Hiawassee

Waste-Water Plant Expansion

As a component of the Comprehensive Plans’ Community Facilities and Services, the City of Hiawassee completed its expansion of the Waste-Water Treatment Plant project in 2020. The expansion to the plant allows for future economic development and provides adequate utility service while also being critical to community growth.

City of Perry

Tucker Road Water Treatment Facility

The City of Perry had continually focused on water quality, management, and service provision. With its completion of the Tucker Road Water Treatment Facility in 2020, the city’s new facility can treat 2 million gallons per day while providing multi-generational water security for Perry and its future growth.

City of Powder Springs

New Greenspace Amenity

The goal to develop a green space amenity downtown appeared in several iterations of the City of Powder Spring’s comprehensive plan. With the Thurman Springs Park, a sense of place for the community is created, and the park has proven to be a strong catalyst for attracting new investments into the city.

City of Roswell

Hardscrabble Road Roundabout/Green Loop Multi-Use Trail

The City of Roswell completed the Hardscrabble Road/Green Loop Multi-Use Trail in 2019 which provided a safer roadway and access for vehicles through the new roundabout. The multi-use trail also gave an opportunity for pedestrian access to exercise and outdoor activity while additionally connecting two schools where students can use the trails.

City of Sandy Springs

Developments Facilitated by the Next Ten and Development Code

The city completed the construction of City Springs, a public-private partnership to redevelop an older shopping center off Roswell Road into an approximately 15-acre mixed-use development. Since its opening, 1,000 new housing units and nearly 300 units at Aston City Springs have been built as well as several new businesses have become integrated into the fabric of the City Springs District.

City of Swainsboro

City of Swainsboro - ISO Class 3 Rating

In the Emanuel County Joint Comprehensive Plan, the City of Swainsboro outlined several objectives for improving the Swainsboro fire department. The city successfully implemented numerous improvements from construction of a new fire to implementation of a new early alert system and ultimately attained an ISO Class 3 rating.

City of Sylvester

City of Sylvester Pedestrian Mall/Amphitheater

In November 2018, construction began on a pedestrian mall/amphitheater as well as improvements to the downtown parking lot. With its completion in April 2019, the pedestrian mall/amphitheater serves as a place to gather for shopping and entertainment, and business owners have reported an increase in pedestrian traffic and revenue, adding to the economic viability of the downtown district.

City of Thomasville

Downtown Economic Development - Courtyard-Marriott

In 2013, the City of Thomasville purchased a former Roses Department Store that was located adjacent to the historic downtown. Now transformed into the Downtown Courtyard Marriott Hotel, the premier hotel expands the city’s walkable center, enhances the surrounding area, and creates a model for public engagement and comprehensive plan implementation.

City of Vienna

Gregory Street Neighborhood Revitalization Project

The Gregory Street Neighborhood was identified as one of the most blighted areas in need of housing improvements and cleanup of dilapidated properties. After numerous improvements were made, the project is considered a great success as it provides decent, safe, and sanitary housing that meets state housing codes in a low-to-moderate income neighborhood.

City of Woodstock

Woodstock Downtown Playground

In 2021, the City of Woodstock completed, to overwhelming success and applause from the community, a downtown playground with public restrooms at the Noonday Creek trailhead. As a result, the new restrooms serve the playground and Elm Street’s many outdoor events, and it is beloved by the community.

Jones County

Planning for a New Jail in Jones County

Jones County came to an agreement to apply for funding for future expansion of the female jail, and this also included a courtroom available at the jail to increase staff safety and improve efficiency. The county was able to successfully outpace potential challenges from rapid growth while meeting a substantive community need for quality jail facilities.

Liberty County

Liberty County's Fire Service Upgrades

In 2020, the Liberty County Board of Commissioners reached a consensus to implement a full-time fire department for the citizens of unincorporated Liberty County. Completed on January 22, 2021, and the new buildings and upgrades will allow most citizens of unincorporated Liberty County to enjoy a lower Insurance Services Organization rating (ISO), upgraded service delivery and response time for fire services, and substantial savings for home and property owners.

Oconee County

Mars Hill Beautification Project

In early 2020, the Mars Hill Beautification project successfully created an aesthetically pleasing major thoroughfare while also strategically increased the capacity of the road. Today it stands as an example of the successful implementation of the community’s short-term work program, and it demonstrates cooperation among different community members and groups.

Thanks for Reading!