The Clarkesville City Council will meet on February 14 to discuss and adopt a joint comprehensive plan for the city. The plan is the result of collaboration between the city, Habersham County, Alto, and Demorest.
READ Draft of joint comprehensive plan
The Georgia Mountain Regional Commission (GMRC) has been assisting with the project since last spring. Public hearings on the plan were held last summer. The first public hearing was held on May 16, 2023. The last public hearing was held on September 7, 2023.
The plan aims to meet the minimum standards required by the Georgia Planning Act of 1989 and the Department of Community Affairs. The minimum standards include community goals and vision, a statement of needs and opportunities, a community work program, environmental compliance factors, and an assessment of broadband capacity and needs.
According to GMRC, the plan prioritizes maintaining public safety services, preserving Habersham County’s rural character, ensuring affordable housing, and retaining the area’s small-town feel.
At the September 5th public hearing, GMRC Planning Director Adam Hazell said that residents’ feedback indicated what they wanted in the area. Residents wanted to maintain the current level of public safety services. They wanted to maintain Habersham County’s rural character. They wanted the area to remain affordable to live in. Residents also wanted to keep agriculture as a viable industry, and retain its small-town accessibility.
The Clarkesville City Council called meeting will be held Wednesday February 14. The meeting will begin at 4:00 p.m. at Clarkesville City Hall at 123 North Laurel Drive in Clarkesville.
