CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES

In This Chapter

Historic Resources 124 Cultural Resources 126 North Augusta’s Environment 128 Goals & Strategies 136

STEWARDSHIP OF OUR8 NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 121 The physical characteristics of the land and the area’s natural resources have played a significant role in the development of North Augusta over the last 300 years. CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES

WHAT? WHY?

unique & prioritize our sustainable resources community

S With so many wonderful environmental and cultural resources S By maintaining and exploiting our top cultural and to protect, setting priorities help to ensure the most important environmental resources we learn, respect, and grow as a ones are maintained and exploited in the community. unique and prideful community based in a sustainable frame of mind.

North Augusta has a wealth of natural, environmentally sustainable way will historical, and cultural resources that define increase their influence and meaning to our our identity. The physical characteristics of city. the land and the area’s natural resources have played a significant role in our Additionally, North Augusta is built on a development and it is our intention to be strong history that is reflected in many good stewards of these gifts and enhance cultural resources that still exist today. While their role in our community. some resources have been lost over time, we will continue to celebrate and cherish In the past, as urban land use has spread the physical and historical underpinnings of and natural areas have been developed, our community. the community’s interest in protecting natural resources while accommodating new growth has risen. Making the Savannah River waterfront and other natural areas in the community more accessible in an

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Historic Buildings

There are a number of historic buildings remaining in the city that represent North Augusta’s rich history, many of which are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and should be preserved. The majority of these are located within the original 1891 Boeckh Plat, mostly concentrated on Georgia Avenue, Carolina Avenue, West Avenue, and Martintown Road. They include large, stately homes in Victorian and vernacular styles from the early 20th century. Because of their location on primary routes for traffic, many historic buildings have been lost to new S Lookaway Inn at the top of Georgia Avenue in Downtown commercial buildings or parking lots, or have been drastically altered to accommodate zoning laws.

Historic District

Lecompte A The Georgia Avenue-Butler Avenue Historic District is a National Register Historic District. The district encompasses part of the property which was the site of the former Hampton Terrace Sidereal Ave Hotel and contains several buildings which were associated

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d with it, as well as other large residences. The four buildings of r ampton o is Ave c Clay St n d nt o architectural importance and 12 supporting properties were C R Atla ll i h serva r R Ob tory A e i built between 1900 and 1930 and illustrate the antebellum ve d m g

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e growth of the city as a winter resort. Several of the structures

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e along Georgia Avenue remain substantially intact and may be eligible for historic designation. e WMartintownRd v A ia rg o e G One of the key properties, Star of Edgefield, (c.1859), is one Butler Av e of the oldest houses in North Augusta. It was once part of an extensive plantation owned by Robert J. Butler. Butler sold 5,600 Hampton Ter Ridgecrest Ave acres of this property to James U. Jackson’s North Augusta Land San d ers St Company in 1890. Several houses were constructed on lots which had been part of the Butler plantation including Palmetto Lodge, a hunting lodge (c.1903), and Pine Heights, a sanitarium Marshall Ave EMartin W Ar ling (c.1899), both built for guests of the Hampton Terrace Hotel. ton to Ht wn Rd s ESu S Outline and aerial of the Butler Avenue and Georgia Avenue The district also contains an unusually fine collection of intact historic district early twentieth century residential styles including Queen Anne, Classical Revival and Tudor Revival.

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Religious Institutions

Seventeen (17) churches representing an extensive list of denominations are located in the North Augusta city limits. Some of which are historic, while others add to neighborhood amenities and culture, especially Downtown.

• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints • Fairview Presbyterian Church • First Baptist Church of North Augusta • First Providence Baptist Church S First Baptist Church of North Augusta • Grace Fellowship • Grace United Methodist Church • Hammond Grove Baptist Church • Holy Trinity Lutheran Church • Immanuel Baptist Church • North Augusta Bible Chapel • North Augusta Church of Christ • North Augusta Southern Methodist Church • Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church • Ridgeview Baptist Church • Second Providence Baptist Church • St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church

• True North Church facebook.com Source: S Fairview Presbyterian Church • Victory Baptist Church & School Source: carolinasnalc.org Source: Lary by Gleason sciway.net Source: facebook.com Source: S Holy Trinity Lutheran Church S First Providence Baptist Church S Grace United Methodist Church

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Cultural and Tourist Attractions and Facilities

North Augusta, as a suburb of Augusta, shares in many of the cultural activities and events that take place in Augusta. However, in recent years, the cultural activities and events offered in Augusta have not met all of the needs of North Augustans. Nonprofit Source: by Michael Holahan by Source: at chronical.augusta.com S Photo from The Augusta Chronicle of the Living community organizations in North Augusta including the Cultural History Park in North Augusta, where cultural Arts Council, Olde Town Preservation Association, Heritage Council events and historic demonstrations bring the past and North Augusta Forward have developed cultural activities to back to life. and events in recent years to supplement the activities and events provided by Augusta organizations. Citizens continue to regularly express the need for additional cultural activities, facilities and events in North Augusta.

In addition to parks throughout the city, the South Carolina Heritage Corridor travels through North Augusta. The 240 miles and fourteen counties that comprise the nationally recognized South Carolina Heritage Corridor are divided into four distinct regions and two routes that stretch from the port city of Charleston in the southern part of the state to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Oconee County in the north. Designated as a national heritage area, the Corridor is viewed as an economic development initiative attracting an estimated 700,000 visitors per year.

Source: www.carolinaliving.com and www.carolinaliving.com Source: www.sc-heritagecorridor.org The Corridor travels though North Augusta along its Discovery S Children at Camp Calhoun, a summer camp about The South Carolina Heritage Corridor. Route, following the trail of the Charleston-Hamburg Railroad, the nation’s first and then longest railroad which stretched from Charleston to North Augusta (then Hamburg, South Carolina). The railroad led to the development of many small market towns along the way. From North Augusta, the corridor travels west and north through mill towns that thrived on power generated from water as it meandered down from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the north.

Community Festivals

The residents of North Augusta enjoy a variety of cultural and historic events throughout the year. These events are sponsored and supported by numerous community organizations and businesses, the City of North Augusta and its neighbors and citizens. Source: www.aikenstandard.com www.aikenstandard.com Source: S The annual Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee Festival, one of the City’s largest events, takes over downtown North Augusta.

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Annual Events in North Augusta include: In 2003, to provide the community with an indoor facility for the performing arts, the • Music in the Park Summer Concert Series Arts Council solicited funding and, with • A Day to Remember Colonial Trades Fair the approval of the Aiken County Board of and Militia Muster Education, completed extensive renovations to the North Augusta High School • Spring Artisans Fair Auditorium. The $120,000 in improvements • Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee funded primarily by North Augusta • Labor Day “Rest Fest” Forward included new stage dressings and professional light and sound equipment. • Lions Club Christmas Parade • Carols in the Park North Augusta Arts Heritage Center • Mayor’s Prayer Lunch With the opening of the Municipal Center, • Easter Egg Hunt The Cultural Arts Council and the Heritage Council jointly erected the North Augusta North Augusta Cultural Arts Council Arts and Heritage Center to manage 7,500 square feet of space within the center The North Augusta Cultural Arts Council, celebrating the community’s heritage and founded in 1996, is a not-for-profit showcasing local artists. organization whose mission is the support of existing arts and the development of Olde Town Preservation Association new arts programs for the citizens of North Augusta. The Arts Council is governed by a The North Augusta Olde Towne Preservation volunteer Board of Directors and is funded Association was founded in 1991 to preserve by the City of North Augusta and various the unique historic character of North grants and donations. Augusta. The Preservation Association hosts “A Day to Remember,” a two-day Regular program activities include “Music in colonial trades fair and militia muster at the Park,” a series of free concerts throughout the Creighton Living History Park. The the summer at Maude Edenfield Park. Other Preservation Association also hosts a spring activities have included: an annual student Artisans Fair, shares historic topics and talent show, a citywide competitive student activities with local school children, and art show, artists’ banner program, theater participates in numerous community and productions, Veterans Concert and Prism regional events. Concert. Source: natoday.augusta.com natoday.augusta.com Source: Bennett Todd by aikenstandard.com Source: Source: chronicle.augusta.com chronicle.augusta.com Source: Chris Thelen by S Music in the Park’s R2D1 Band (2011)S A Day to Remember (2015) S The Lions Club Christmas Parade (2014)

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Geography and Topography

North Augusta is located in western Aiken County in central South Carolina adjacent to the Savannah River. Adjoining counties include Richmond and Columbia in Georgia to the south and west, and Edgefield County, South Carolina to the north. A substantial area of unincorporated Aiken County lies to the east and southeast. North Augusta is approximately 67 miles west of Columbia, the South Carolina state capitol, and 150 miles east of Atlanta, the Georgia state capitol.

North Augusta and Aiken County are located on the “fall line,” a geologic boundary following the Appalachian Mountain Range from Alabama to New York. In South Carolina the “fall line” transition area separates the piedmont from the coastal plain topographic regions. Elevations range from 125 to 550 feet above sea level. In general, the area is comprised of flat terrain and gently rolling hills with slopes ranging from zero to 20 percent.

S Topographic map of North Augusta area (See Appendix B)

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Climate

North Augusta’s climate is relatively mild and characterized by long warm summers and relatively short mild winters. Average temperatures in June are in the 70’s while temperatures in January are in the 40’s. Prevailing winds are from the southeast and southwest, bringing in moist tropical air from the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. In summer, the average temperature is 79 degrees and the average daily high exceeds 90 degrees in June, July and August. In winter, the average temperature is 47 degrees and the average daily minimum temperature is 35 degrees. Total annual precipitation is approximately 46 inches. Annual precipitation amounts have been below normal for the last 45 years. The average relative humidity in mid-afternoon is about 50 percent. Humidity is higher at night and the average at dawn is about 90 percent.

Average Summer Average Winter Total Annual Prevailing Winds Temperature Temperature Precipitation

from Southeast 79 degrees 47 degrees 46 inches & Southwest

Soils

Due to the variety of topography and geologic conditions within the city limits, numerous soil types are identified in North Augusta. Generally, soils in the community are identified as Troupe-Lakeland-Fuquay in the Soil Survey of Aiken County Area, South Carolina by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Troupe-Lakeland-Fuquay is characterized as well-drained sandy soils that have loamy subsoil, and excessively drained soils that are sandy throughout.

Agricultural & Forest Land

Historically, much of what is now within the North Augusta city limits was farmed. Today there is very little land within the city utilized for agricultural purposes.

There is a considerable amount of undeveloped land that is timbered periodically both within the city limits and within the planning area. The forested lands are periodically timbered to take advantage of income opportunities, often just prior to land development activity. There is currently no land within the planning area that is exclusively for timbering purposes. New land development projects are not often planned with a goal of preserving high quality natural areas and existing tree stands. The result is often the clear cutting of forested land and unnecessary destruction of natural habitat.

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Endangered Species Conservation Areas & Open Space

Relict Trillium (Trillium reliquum), an The City of North Augusta and the planning herbaceous member of the lily family, is area include several conservation, recreation listed as an endangered species in Georgia and natural areas. The original plan for and South Carolina and is on the federal the city, prepared by Charles Boeckh, endangered species list. It exists within and represented some of the best characteristics adjacent to Riverview Park and on several of the City Beautiful Movement in city riverfront parcels that are privately owned. planning and included the preservation of There have been additional findings of Relict natural open space, steeply contoured land Trillium in other parts of the city north of and natural drainage ways as parkland. The I-20 and Bergen Road, specifically northeast “Boeckh Plat” was based on a grid and set www.fws.gov of the Bergen Place development. aside major open spaces following natural S Relict Trillium drainage ways leading to the Savannah Bottlebrush Buckeye (Aesculus parviflora) River. Parks and open space were envisioned is a wide spreading shrub native to South on those drainage ways. The “Boeckh Ravine Carolina. It is currently listed as a Regional Parks,” located on both sides of the original Species of Concern by the South Carolina city, have been developed to some degree. Department of Natural Resources. A protected population is located in the The original planned natural areas in the city Savannah River Bluffs Heritage Preserve. have been zoned “open space preservation” The native habitat is river banks, bluffs for approximately thirty years and the and wooded hillsides in the piedmont and potential for future development, other coastal plain of the state. than as parks and open space, is limited. Additional areas of the city annexed over The Rocky Shoals Spider Lily (Hymenocallis the last sixty years are currently subject to www.discoverlife.org coronaria) is a perennial native to South future development and include natural and S Bottlebrush Buckeye Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. Also known sensitive lands and drainage ways. Some as the shoals spider lily and cahaba lily, it is of those areas are in danger of insensitive found in major streams and rivers in rocky development and destruction. shoals and in cracks of exposed bedrock. The Savannah River is a habitat of the rare Additionally, there are large undeveloped flowering plant. The Rocky Shoals Spider areas of environmentally sensitive land Lily is listed as an endangered species in outside the city limits but within the Georgia and as a species of concern in planning area that are also in danger of South Carolina. It has been proposed federal insensitive development. One example of endangered species status. an appropriate land conservation effort was undertaken by the South Carolina All projects that require or utilize a direct Wildlife and Marine Resources Department federal approval, permit, grant, loan or loan when it acquired approximately 80 acres on guarantee must comply with provisions www.kayakingcatawbariver.com the Savannah River north and northwest S Rocky Shoals Spider Lily of the Endangered Species Act including of the Savannah Barony subdivision for consultation with the U.S. Department preservation in a natural state. The site, of the Interior to avoid adverse impacts known as the Savannah River Bluffs Heritage on endangered species. Properties Preserve, is part of the South Carolina proposed for such permits or approvals Heritage Trust Program and is the only are surveyed and evaluated for threatened permanently protected habitat for the and endangered species, especially Relict federally endangered Relict Trillium. Trillium.

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There are a number of large undeveloped exceeding allowable standards on several parcels close to the city center that occasions. As of 2015, under the Federal contain areas of both steep slopes and Clean Air Act Amendment, violations occur wetlands. However, large portions of the when 8-hour ozone averages exceed 0.07 unimproved parcels are appropriate for parts per million. Communities whose three- urban development. They are located east year averages for ozone exceed the national of Georgia along the bluff overlooking 8-hour standard are designated as non- the Savannah River, east of Martintown attainment areas. The Augusta metropolitan Road between Martintown Road and area has so far avoided such designation. the Savannah River, and east of US 25 in Belvedere. Non-attainment designation has implications for economic development Air Quality and transportation in the area. Under non- attainment new or expanding industry that Air quality is a significant issue throughout generates emissions would be subject to the the country, in the Central Savannah EPA’s new source review program requiring River Area (CSRA) and in Aiken County. new plants and major modifications to Air pollution has a direct impact on existing plants to obtain a permit before public health and well-being. It also has construction which can be issued only if the implications for economic development, new plant or major modification includes transportation, and the quality of life in a pollution control measures that reflect the community. However, air pollution in the best technology available. CSRA, including North Augusta, currently meets the limits set by the EPA. Under the Clean Air Act, metropolitan planning organizations in non-attainment Ozone, the main ingredient of smog, is areas must demonstrate through the a serious air quality problem. Even at transportation conformity process that low levels ozone can have a number of planned transportation investment effects on the human respiratory system. strategies and programs have air quality Particulate matter is another air pollutant, impacts consistent with the state and includes any material that exists as implementation plan. They must also solid or liquid in the atmosphere and demonstrate that emissions do not exceed may be in the form of fly ash, soot, dust, the target for emissions from mobile fog, fumes or other materials. Particulate sources. matter causes irritation and damage to the respiratory system resulting in difficulty Aiken County is participating with the breathing, bronchitis and aggravated South Carolina Department of Health and respiratory disease. Exposure to particulates Environmental Country (SCDHEC) in the affects individuals with chronic pulmonary State Implementation Plan (SIP). The State or cardiovascular disease, influenza and Implementation Plan (SIP) is developed to asthma. It affects children and the elderly show how a state will meet the National most severely. Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six common pollutants, called “criteria Current data indicate that the Augusta pollutants,” as set forth by the Clean Air Act. Metropolitan Area has an ozone problem. The states of Georgia and South Carolina A SIP is the accumulated record of monitor ozone in a variety of locations on documents that form a blueprint and both sides of the river. Monitoring stations timeline for the state’s plans to assure in recent years have recorded ozone levels compliance with the NAAQS for criteria

NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 131 CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES pollutants (carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, is at 40 CFR Part 52, Approval of Implementation Plans, nitrogen dioxide, lead, and particulate matter), as Subpart PP, South Carolina. outlined in the Clean Air Act. SIPs include, among other things, control plans, regulations, and inventories of Water Resources emissions within the state. Once approved, the SIP is enforceable by the state and EPA. For more information, The dominant hydrographic feature in the city is the see EPA’s SIP webpage. Savannah River. The river forms the city’s southwestern boundary and serves as the state line between Georgia South Carolina’s SIP includes the initial SIP, which and South Carolina. North Augusta’s potable water was submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection supply is pumped from the Savannah River. The Agency (EPA) in 1972, and the accumulated record of its stretch of the river adjacent to North Augusta is one amendments. These amendments, going back to 1973, of the more unique parts of the waterway. Adjacent along with the original SIP, constitute South Carolina’s to North Augusta is where the river rolls over the SIP. Though there are many amendments, there is only fall line separating the piedmont and coastal plain one South Carolina SIP. DHEC submits amendments physiographic provinces. The shallow waters of the to the EPA, and after reviewing the revisions, the EPA fall line served as a river crossing for centuries and publishes a proposed action, which is open for public the characteristics are in sharp contrast to the deeper comment in the Federal Register. Possible proposed navigable reaches downstream. This change in the actions include approval, disapproval, partial approval, river’s environment allows it to support a variety of conditional approval, and a direct final rule. Following plants, animals and wildlife, and gives residents a a review of the comments, the EPA issues a final rule. greater appreciation of the natural environment. Over The EPA memoranda that guides this process includes the years a number of archaeological sites have been a 1992 memorandum and April and November 2011 identified in the area, many of which are located in the memoranda. The EPA maintains approvals of all states’ floodplains and swamps near the river corridor. SIPs in the Code of Federal Regulations. South Carolina’s

S Aerial of Savannah River between Augusta on the bottom and North Augusta above

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Drainage Basins

North Augusta is located in the Middle Savannah Watershed of the Savannah River Basin. The City acquires its drinking water from the Savannah River. With that in mind, the Stormwater Management Department conducts extensive surveys of the sub-basins drainage patterns, land uses, stream integrity, and water quality in sub-basins with medium and high density residential or commercial land uses. Source: Source: discoversouthcarolina.com There are seventeen drainage sub-basins delineated and named. S A kayaker and tire swing hanging above Aiken The data for each is used to rank the sub-basin’s overall health as County’s Historic Horse Creek Water Trail Excellent, Good, Fair or Poor. When a new development project is proposed, its location in the watershed is determined along with the sub-basin ranking as part of the overall review and assessment of the project. The city ordinance requires all projects adhere to a 25 foot natural stream buffer. In addition, for Fair and Poor ranked sub-basins, the city takes an even closer look at the project for the long-term sustainability, preservation, and protection of stream integrity and water quality. Detailed information is available in the City of North Augusta Stream Water Quality Assessment reports.

Carolina Bays Google EarthSource: S Aerial of one of North Augusta’s Carolina Bays in the Carolina Bays are elliptical depressions concentrated along the 1-20 - US 25 exit 5 interchange Atlantic seaboard within coastal Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and north- central Florida. Carolina bays vary in size from one to several thousand acres. About 500,000 of them are present in the Atlantic Coastal Plain, often in groups, with each bay invariably aligned in a northwest-southeast direction. The bays have many different vegetative structures, based on the depression depth, size, hydrology, and subsurface.

There are several Carolina Bays within or adjacent to the North Augusta city limits. One significant bay is located on the Wertz Source: chronicle.augusta.com S New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam property in the southeast quadrant of the I-20 – US 25 interchange at exit 5. It is known as Mathis Lake and is skirted by the new I-520 alignment on the east.

New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam

The Augusta Pool of the Savannah River between North Augusta, South Carolina and Augusta, Georgia has significantly influenced the development of both communities. Both cities have invested millions of dollars to improve the riverfront as an anchor for private redevelopment efforts. Created by the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam, the Augusta Pool is critical to maintain the municipal Source: balancingthebasin. Source: armylive.dodlive.mil water supply intakes in North Augusta and the process water S Rendering of the New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam intakes for the SCE&G Urquhart power generating facility and five with a safe fish passage on the right major manufacturing plants.

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In 2000, the City of North Augusta and ownership. The residential development has Aiken County initiated a process to obtain re-shaped the riverbank, stabilized it with title to the facility and manage it with a stone rip-rap and eliminated the natural consortium of local governments, affected riverbank vegetation. Some residential area industries and SCE&G. It was the hope properties have violated city floodplain that this would avoid its demolition, but and floodway management regulations by only if Congress financed $22 million in filling in the floodway and modifying the repairs that included a $7 million fish ladder riverbank. Areas of undeveloped riverfront to allow striped bass and other species to land outside the city limits remain in a swim upstream. Current Federal legislation variety of parcel sizes and ownerships. has the future of the lock and dam in doubt. Future development should retain natural There are competing interests on how vegetation and character when possible. to deal with the dam and fish passage. A solution that preserves the integrity of the Public access to the river is now severely Augusta Pool is vital. limited in the city and in the planning area both upstream and downstream of the city Floodplains & Wetlands limits. Approximately one mile of riverfront, formerly the original North Augusta Floodplains industrial area, was purchased by the city for Brick Pond Park and Greeneway. The limited A substantial portion of the southwestern amount of undeveloped land remaining boundary of North Augusta bordering the on the riverfront presents additional Savannah River has been identified as within opportunities for public access. the river’s floodplain. Additionally, portions of the drainage areas of several tributaries, Wetlands Horse Creek, Pole Branch, Fox Creek, Crystal Lake Creek and Rapids Creek and include Substantial wetland areas have been both floodways and floodplains. Floodplain identified along the river and its tributaries. studies of the Savannah River and flood The Sanders (RiverNorth between US 1 control measures constructed upstream and I-520, the Palmetto Parkway), River from North Augusta conducted in the early Golf Club (between the 5th Street and 1990’s resulted in the floodplain elevation 13th Street bridges) and Mason Turf Farm within the city being lowered significantly. (east of the Palmetto Parkway) properties In 1994, revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps all contain substantial wetland areas. The were published. In 1995, the River Golf Club wetlands areas of the River Club have been was zoned Planned Development (PD). incorporated into the River Club Golf course. The development included a golf course, The wetlands adjacent to RiverNorth have clubhouse and single family residential units been reserved as a conservation area. The along the river. The RiverNorth tract, another city also contains a number of smaller planned development, is also currently wetland areas along Horse Creek, Little under development as a residential Horse Creek, Mim’s Branch, Pole Branch, Fox community. Both developments include Creek, Rapids Creek, Crystal Lake Creek and protected wetland areas. in the Boeckh Ravines.

Since the dams were constructed on the The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers no longer Savannah River and the flood elevation claims jurisdiction for isolated upland was lowered in 1994, much of the available wetlands, but the SCDHEC considers them Savannah River frontage in the city has been “waters of the state” and requires mitigation developed for private residential use and if development impacts them.

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230 EDGEFIELD 520 AIKEN

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S Water Resources Map of North Augusta, including: floodplains, tributaries, creeks, lakes, ponds, and the Savannah River

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EXPAND THE ARTS & OTHER CULTURAL RESOURCES: Expand creative arts, cultural events, and resources 8.1 offered in public space and city programs that support them

8.1.1 Introduce public art into neighborhoods, 8.1.4 Connect places of cultural significance to public open space, parks, the Greeneway, public open spaces through multi-modal and downtown. and Greeneway facilities. Include public art in public space Identify existing and future locations of throughout North Augusta, including places of cultural significance and connect neighborhood streets, parks, the Greeneway them through the Greeneway facilities and and Downtown through gateways other public spaces. Enhancing sidewalks and wayfinding, sculpture, memorials, and trails with furniture, lighting, seating, installations, and other arts programs. and other design elements will help enhance Downtown and the Greeneway 8.1.2 Promote local artists. facilities. The Artists Guild will continue to Identify and work to promote local artists. Partnering 8.1.5 Existing community events and programs with local artists to create public art, or should be supported and expanded when exhibit their work in community centers, possible. City Hall, and Downtown businesses will Existing events and programs should identify the City has a place that is friendly be supported and expanded by the to the arts. Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. The City should promote these 8.1.3 Require a public art element in all new programs throughout the community. municipal projects. Ensuring that programs are offered for the Requiring public art or some cultural entire population of citizens, including element in all municipal projects will help children, young adults, families, and ensure that North Augusta continues to seniors will help cultivate healthy and develop as a place that respects its unique active residents. One resource to consider identity. for cultural events is the South Carolina Hertiage Corridor, which runs through North Augusta with a few sites located in the city including: The Arts and Heritage Center, Rosemary B&B, Lookaway Inn, and The Living History Park. All of these sites tie together the rich history, cultural influence, and historical sites of North Augusta.

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PROTECT AND RESTORE HISTORIC RESOURCES IMPORTANT TO NORTH AUGUSTA’S IDENTITY: Identify historical resources and develop a 8.2 maintenance and renovation program and funding to ensure their protection

8.2.1 Identify historic resources important to 8.2.3 Protect the existing structures and ruins North Augusta’s identity and ensure their of Hamburg protection with funding for maintenance. Original buildings from Hamburg remain In addition to the Georgia - Butler Avenue today by E. Railroad Avenue and 5th Street Historic District and additional buildings Bridge. They are at risk of demolition with listed on the National Historic Register, pressure to develop along the Riverfront. identify other important structures, parks, Additionally, with no markings, signage, open spaces, natural features, fences, walls, facility, or parking, they are not celebrated cemeteries and viewsheds that contribute to or accessible to the public. Protecting their the identity of North Augusta. These should remains, and connecting them to the future be listed, prioritized, and funding should be extension of the Greeneway, will help allocated to ensure their maintenance and celebrate the history and founding of North preservation. Funding can include grants, Augusta. historic tax credits, and/or City monies. 8.2.4 Protect historic neighborhoods adjacent 8.2.2 Work with the owners of Lookaway to downtown through the preservation of Hall and Rosemary Hall to ensure their the street network, paving materials, and preservation and maintenance. open space, as well as, promoting context Lookaway Hall and Rosemary Hall are both sensitive infill development and the very important to the historic identity of preservation of existing housing. North Augusta. As physical reminders of The enhancement of the existing street the City’s founding on their prominent network and the condition of roads, location on a hill overlooking Downtown, sidewalks, and open space can help ensure it is imperative that they remain icons of the preservation the historic character of North Augusta’s identity. Creating a “Friends neighborhoods adjacent to Downtown. of Lookaway Hall” group to organize Promoting context sensitive development fundraising efforts, or identifying grants and consistent with this character will help historic tax credits can assist in the buildings’ protect the unique identity of North maintenance. Augusta.

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PRESERVE AND EXPAND THE TREE CANOPY: Adopt regulations and coordinate between City 8.3 departments to preserve and plant more trees

8.3.1 Maintain our Tree City USA designation. 8.3.2 Create regulations to protect significant In order to maintain our current Tree trees. City USA designation we will continue to Adopt development regulations to require undertake the public works management the preservation of existing significant trees and budget actions necessary including the and tree clusters where appropriate on land following: proposed for new development.

1. Maintain a Tree Board or Department 8.3.3 Implement a City street trees program. 2. Implement a Tree Care Ordinance We will implement a city program to plant 3. Adopt a Community Forestry Program street trees in existing rights of way where with an Annual Budget of at Least $2 per none currently exist and on city property capita where appropriate. 4. Host an Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation

X Examples of street trees to encourage the continual growth of street tree programs.

X Far right: example of a significant tree that was preserved during new construction, visible behind the new building.

138 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 8 | STEWARDSHIP OF OUR NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES

PROTECT THE SAVANNAH RIVER AND OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES: 8.4 Coordinate with other organizations and adopt policies to protect natural resources in North Augusta

8.4.1 Cooperate with other government entities in the 8.4.3 Acquire or otherwise permanently protect management of water resources. environmentally sensitive areas. Continue cooperation with the states of South Carolina Utilize available city funding and intergovernmental and Georgia, Aiken County, Augusta/Richmond County grants to acquire natural drainage ways, Carolina and Columbia County in the cooperative management Bays, unprotected upland wetlands and other of water resources in the Savannah River Basin. Maintain environmentally sensitive areas, for open space the Augusta Pool to preserve natural resources, provide preservation, stormwater management, park land and for appropriate economic development and maintain extensions of the Greeneway system. an adequate water supply for the area. Cooperate with Aiken County, the SCDHEC and the ARTS in the 8.4.4 Work with other local governments to protect the New implementation of the state SIP. Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam Continue to work with the Army Corps of Engineers to 8.4.2 Improve water quality and channel integrity of impaired restore the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam as well as watershed basins. the fish ladder to allow striped bass and other species to There are at least four basins in North Augusta that are swim upstream. considered to be impaired due largely to construction- related pollutants and erosion, making them unhealthy for aquatic life and human contact. Specific measures should be initiated to remedy these situations and restore them to ecological health.

S Views of and around the Savannah River

NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 139 CHAPTER 9 | ROBUST PARKS, RECREATION, & GREENEWAY NETWORK

140 NORTH AUGUSTA, SC | 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN