SCAPE GRESHAM SMITH BIOHABITATS NEW SOUTH ASSOCIATES DR. NA'TAKI OSBORNE JELKS DR. RICHARD MILLIGAN EDWARDS-PITMAN

CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERLANDS GREENWAY STUDY

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

SUBMITTED ON 04/11/2019 SUB-AREA 1 COMMITTEE DESIGN WORKSHOP ROSWELL LANDING, 03/26/19

ATTENDANCE • Connectivity between CRNRA AGENDA units should be prioritized • Chris Scalley ( Through ) 1. 6:00pm Sign In • Smart branching • David Smith (Recreation Commission and the City of Roswell) 2. 6:15pm Presentation • Cities will be responsible for connecting back to the RiverLands • Irene Sanders (Johns Creek) 3. 6:45pm Break-out Session • Explore feasibility of thematic trails • Jack Hausmann (Johns Creek) 4. 7:45pm Report Out & Next Steps with information about historic mills • Jay Small • Mapping sewer easements might help NOTES identify potential alignments • Jeffrey Leatherman (City of Roswell) • Pedestrian bridges across the river should • Kimberly Greer (Johns Creek PROTECT– ex. How can the greenway be studied (ex. Sandy Springs to East Cobb) Assistant City Manager) prioritize access and conservation? ENGAGE – ex. How can the greenway avoid • Marcie Moore (Gwinett County) • The Greenway should address erosion of upstream , a result of displacing underserved communities while • Michael Perry (City of Sandy Spring) development pressure – Cauley and incentivizing economic development? Johns Creek – partnerships are critical • Nancy Diamond • Connect MARTA to the river • Providing access allows people • Nancy Geisler (Vinings Neighborhood) to care for the River • Parks are not currently accessible to people without a car • Nikki Belmonte (Atlanta Audubon) • Protect and improve tree canopy • Look at Economic Development precedent • Steve Levetan (Sandy Springs Conservancy) • Protect the corridor for birds (180 in Columbus, GA – generated $150 mill species) with creation of birding in 6 years, catalyst for development • Timothy Rainey (Army Corps) trails and space for bird refuge • Important to connect back out to • Grace Teborek () • Navigate issues with parking demand – bring communities along River • Mark Gernazian (Atlanta Cycling) about a culture shift from people who drive 2 miles to walk 4 - People park and fish outside REDEFINE – ex. Should the greenway be a of the parks because parking is limited. • Deanna Greco (NPS - CRNRA) national, regional, or local destination? • Henning Von Schmeling (CNC) • Address safety concerns with dam releases – not a good warning system, flooding • Should be more accessible than Shenandoah • Phillip Hodges (CPC) concerns north of • Make accessible to people visiting Atlanta for conferences • Cathy Barnard (CPC) • Protect unique mudflat near with bat habitat • Some concerns raised regarding • Sarah Boyer (CPC) • Protect ecological resources too many people • Steve Graessle (Sugar Hill) • Protect and bring people to the shoals • Jason Ulseth (Chattahoochee Riverkeeper) (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 SCAPE 2 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

3 MAP DOCUMENTATION FROM SUB-AREA 1 DESIGN WORKSHOP

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

SCAPE 4 SAC 1 Design Workshop Map

SAC 1 Design Workshop Map SAC 1 Design Workshop Map

5 SAC 1 River Over Time Presentation

SAC 1 Design Workshop Tables SAC 1 Design Workshop Table 3

SCAPE 6 COMMENTS FROM SUB-AREA 1 DESIGN WORKSHOP ATTENDEES

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

SCAPE 8 COMMENTS FROM SUB-AREA 1 DESIGN WORKSHOP ATTENDEES CONTINUED...

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

ATTENDANCE AGENDA ENGAGE – ex. How can the greenway avoid • Adam Betuel (Atlanta Audubon) displacing underserved communities while 1. 6:00pm Sign In incentivizing economic development? • Brett Davidson (SORBA - Trails) 2. 6:15pm Presentation • Maintain history and character – • Carly Queen (Groundwork Atlanta) highlight each community legacy • Councilwoman Dr. Catherine Rowell, 3. 6:45pm Break-out Session (South Fulton City Council, District 1) • Plan for affordable housing • Christopher Pike (City of South Fulton) 4. 7:45pm Report Out & Next Steps • Consider public vs private access • Donna Stephens (Proctor Creek • Consider racial equity Stewardship Council) NOTES • Puncture Industrial park – Fulton Industrial • Councilman Dustin Hillis (City PROTECT– ex. How can the greenway has no access for 9 miles, 22,000 workers of Atlanta, District 9) prioritize access and conservation? need place to eat lunch, exercise, etc. • Elliott Henington (Cobb Recreation Board) • Prioritize access to forgotten • Provide inclusive access options • Gil Prado (Boulevard CID) section of the River - access for all abilities • Gregg Corlew (Legacy’s External • Access = Conservation • Focus development to create destinations – Affairs Chairman) Sweetwater Creek State Park is a gem, Austell Plantation, more ferries were along this area • Jennifer Fine (Invest Atlanta) • Incentivize clean industry • Read Green Law Study on Fulton Industrial Blvd • John Skach (Atlanta Housing) • People need to see and know where the River is • Keith Sharp (Riverwalk Atlanta) • Provide job training opportunities • River needs to be able to do its job – flood • Lee Harrop (Westside Future Fund) capacity, drainage, health • 3-4 access pts for Atlanta • Ligia Florim (Cobb DOT) • Engage with communities directly to see what • Each district has watershed improvement plans type of trail they want/where they want access • Michelle Macauley (Former Fulton – look at drainage basins by order County Land Acquisitions Manager) • Coal ash pollution near Plant McDonough REDEFINE – ex. Should the greenway be a • Richard Dagenhart ( national, regional, or local destination? Institute of Technology) • Change perception around water quality – now better! • Need to create a new identity • Roberta Cook (Riverline Historic Area) • Lots of development pressure on • Robin Meyer (Mableton Improvement Coalition) • Focus locally, won’t matter nationally West side the River in Sub-Area 1 – or regionally otherwise • Susan Rutherford (City of Atlanta DWM) focus on ecological protection • Brand the Sub-Areas • Allison Brady (Providence Neighborhood) INVITE – ex. Should the greenway be a • Don’t want another six flags – national • Paul Raulet (Raulet Property Partners) continuous linear public path along the river tourism equals lots of cars/parking • Stacy Blakley (Keep South Fulton Beautiful) or a network of loops and destinations? • Elena Shaw Fash (Groundwork Atlanta) • Connect to the Silver Comet Trail • Kathy Hearn (Riverside Kate) • Connect to the Beltline • Markum Smith (TPL / SDA) • Connect to the Proctor Creek Greenway • Lee Kolber (Chattahoochee NOW) • Need more outfitters • Richard Hathcock (City of South Fulton) • Map rail easements – unused rail tracks • Naeema Gilyard, City Council - City of South Fulton • Silk Sheets is the best route in the area for bike groups • Carmalitha Gumbs, City County - City of South Fulton

SCAPE 10 SAC 2 Design Workshop Break-out Session Table 2

SAC 1 Design Workshop Introduction SAC 2 Design Workshop Reporting Back

11 MAP DOCUMENTATION FROM SUB-AREA 2 DESIGN WORKSHOP

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

SCAPE 12 SAC 2 Map Table 4 SAC 2 Design Workshop Map Table 3

13 COMMENTS FROM SUB-AREA 2 DESIGN WORKSHOP ATTENDEES

"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 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 area in Bolton. Evidence of occupation of the site date back to prehistoric times. Later the Creek and 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 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 , 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.

SCAPE 14 15 SUB-AREA 3 COMMITTEE DESIGN WORKSHOP HISTORIC BANNING MILLS, 03/28/19

ATTENDANCE AGENDA ENGAGE – ex. How can the greenway avoid displacing underserved communities while • Alan Merrill (City Council, Chattahoochee 1. 6:00pm Sign In Hill Country Conservancy) incentivizing economic development? • Carol Mitchell (FOMR) 2. 6:15pm Presentation • Columbus, GA – example of how to integrate the river into downtown and make it part of the • Diana Wilson (City of Chattahoochee 3. 6:45pm Break-out Session fabric of the community and developments HIlls, Parks Commission Chair) • Provide opportunities for families walking, 4. 7:45pm Report Out & Next Steps • Donna Holder (Historic Banning Mills) pushing strollers; more social interaction • Doug Mabry (Historian of Moore's NOTES • Landownership could guide the Bridge and McIntosh Reserve) Greenway alignment PROTECT– ex. How can the greenway • Jerry Stober (University of Washington) REDEFINE – ex. Should the greenway be a prioritize access and conservation? • Jett Hattaway (City of Chattahoochee HIlls, national, regional, or local destination? Planning Commission & ChattNOW) • The more people that are involved in the river, the more people will care. Want to provide • Strong consensus that it should be more • Michelle Hamner (Atlanta Audubon) access so that more people feel involved, than just regional attraction eventually take pride and ownership, and help care for • Mitch Clifton (Prof. Comp. Science) • Grow naturally from local attraction the river – want people to feel connected. to national destination • Scott Eldredge (Carroll County • There are different types of access for Historical Society) • Water trail encourages eco- different people; all of it is important tourism, very easy to start at different points along the river • Tim Chowns (West Georgia U & FOMR) • Offer quiet experiences on and along the river • Recreation vs. transportation vs. conservation • Mayor Tom Reed (City of Chattahoochee Hills) – it’s all important; question is how to • Henry Jacobs (Chattahoochee Riverkeeper) balance or achieve all of the above • Ross Miller (FOMR) INVITE – ex. Should the greenway be a continuous linear public path along the river • Randa Harris (FOMR) or a network of loops and destinations? • Pete Edmonson (MTB Atlanta) • It’s a question of scale – large parcels • Brett Davidson (MTB Atlanta) 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

SCAPE 16 SAC 3 Design Workshop Boards

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

17 MAP DOCUMENTATION FROM SUB-AREA 3 DESIGN WORKSHOP

SAC 3 Map Table 1

SAC 3 Map Table 2

SCAPE 18 SAC 3 Design Workshop Map Table 2

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

19 COMMENTS FROM SUB-AREA 3 DESIGN WORKSHOP ATTENDEES

WATER TRAIL CONNECTING EXISTING PARKS to have lunch at one of their restaurants on the river. “What river runs through the capital of Georgia?” is a question befitting Final Jeopardy on Due to the existing public realm that is the CAMPBELLTON PARK television. Outside of Georgia and , the Chattahoochee River, a complete water trail would be There are a large number of parks throughout the study (SOUTHERN) RIVER PARK Chattahoochee River is a “well-kept secret.” an ideal start to providing distributed access along the area, many of which exist in sub-area 3. Campbellton sub-section 3 of the study area. Local stakeholders Our as yet unnamed southern River Park would The longest section of this part of The River is the Park sits on the northern section of this sub-area and is such as the City of Chattahoochee Hills are already serve as the southernmost access point on the western border of Chattahoochee Hills, a city ironically in the process of being developed as the first launch site actively working towards establishing such a water Chatt Hills water trail. This park has potential for named after a river to which its residents currently for the Chattahoochee Hills water trail. This park presents trail on the 18 mile stretch of the Chattahoochee multi-use trails, camping and a boat launch. have no public access. The River is described as an opportunity for an outfitter station and potential from Campbellton Park (18 acres) to our as yet unspoiled; it is quiet (except for a great many species multi-use development which could help promote unnamed southern River Park (over 200 acres). of birds) and its banks are forested and seldom is a the entire sub-area 3 due to its position as a gateway CONNECTING COMMUNITIES building in sight. Kayaking here is truly therapeutic. A water trail would capitalize on the existing recreational to a well-defined rural transect of the study area. Possibly one of the most important elements tourism in our area, currently concentrated in equestrian of this study and any subsequent projects is The City of Chattahoochee Hills already envisions the connecting of the river back to adjacent eventing and cycling. There is currently a 25 mile gap COCHRAN MILL PARK the installation of three or four public boat launch between the first two launch sites on this section of the communities. One such example is understanding sites, spaced to enable people to paddle kayaks Chattahoochee. An ideal water trail requires distances Located south of Campbellton Park, Cochran Mill Park the local perception of the river for each community and canoes five to seven miles between access and between launch sites of no more than 5-8 miles, allowing is one of the most frequented parks south of I-20. in which you work. Each will likely have its own egress. This and many land-based attractions such for equal access to a variety of paddlers. There are With over 20 miles of multi-use trails and one of the unique objectives for a future greenway. as the mountain bike trails of Cochran Mill Park and already four developed launch sites on the southern end Chattahoochee River’s greatest tributaries, Bear Creek, the “silk sheets” network of country roads popular The City of Chattahoochee Hills for example is of this section of river between Moores Bridge Park and Cochran Mill Park attracts thousands of mountain bikers, for cyclists from all over the Atlanta Region, plus new already working diligently on developing its own 18- Chattahoochee Bend State Park, so adding an additional hikers and equestrian tourists every year. Bear Creek experiential attractions can establish tourism as one leg mile water trail, so perhaps this would be a good four access points to the north in Chattahoochee flows through the park and feeds into the river along of economic development for Chattahoochee Hills and starting place to focus since stakeholders are already Hills would allow for more complete recreational land which is currently held by South Fulton Municipal beyond. Access and conductivity via trails are critical engaged and invested in the project. Another example access to the entire southern end of this study. Regional Water and Sewer Authority as this section was to the synergy of the water and the land. Thus, the is the TDR ordinance which exists in Chatt Hills as a at one time intended to be a reservoir. This presents an study’s scope of one-mile-on-each-side of The River way to encourage dense nodal development while opportunity for a connecting multi-use trail from the may limit the effectiveness of a holistic master plan. ACCESS AS A PRIORITY conserving up to 70% of the city’s land thus maintaining park to the river and another potential boat launch. Access to the river would seem to be the highest priority a rural character. This may be an opportunity for Chattahoochee Hills is planned as deliberately rural, when it comes to the sub-area 3. Our section of river is us to work with city leaders to shift open space preserving the natural and agricultural landscape while by far the least accessible and the most vulnerable to HUTCHESON FERRY PARK requirements into the greenway corridor from enabling mixed-use conservation developments, like pollution and neglect due to our juxtaposition to Atlanta developments throughout the city. This would help Serenbe, to be scattered throughout the 40,000 acre and Fulton Industrial Boulevard. With these challenges Hutcheson Ferry Park lies just outside of Serenbe on with land procurement and would ensure permanent city. Increased population and rural are not mutually in mind, it also represents the greatest opportunity for a Hutcheson Ferry Rd, just south of Cochran Mill Park. conservation and access along the greenway. exclusive. Being thoughtful is the key. Likewise, pristine and contiguous greenway. Because of its large A master plan for this park will be completed by bringing people to enjoy the natural beauty of the Another example of community partnership would parcels, abundant public lands and recreational appeal May 2019 and follows a theme of a smaller park Chattahoochee River does not spoil The River but be the recent move of the Rodale Institute and the there exists a tremendous opportunity to link the river with dense amenities such as restrooms, pavilion, introduces it to people who will want to enhance it Conservation Fund which have both made commitments back to existing communities, parks, trail systems and amphitheater and walking path. This park would by collecting litter along the banks and advocating in the area to procure and conserve land for agricultural encourage more recreational use of the river itself. be an ideal site for a multi-use path to connect for improved water quality. The experience of through Serenbe and ultimately to the river. use. Some of this land may be identified along the the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper confirms this. Ecological regeneration and conservation, social greenway corridor where a partnership could lead equity and economic development can all be tied to recreational access through a portion of the The cultural value of the people in Chattahoochee back to providing distributed access to the river. CAPPS FERRY agricultural land being procured through this program. Hills is to protect its natural beauty. We aim to strike a balance between nature and development. “There Increased access to the river will ultimately lead Capps Ferry Bridge is not currently developed as a These are just a few examples of how strong is no heavier burden than a great opportunity.” The to higher EPD restrictions on utilitarian uses of the recreational area, but its location lends itself to a partnerships with local government and NGO’s can lead leaders in the area accept that burden and strive to Chattahoochee and its watershed while providing prime access point on the river. Georgia Department to an effective land procurement strategy and engage a create a place where the well-being of future generation local economies with the opportunity to benefit of Transportation Right of way along the bridge might broader base of stakeholders throughout the sub-area. is paramount. Cooperation with other cities in South directly from eco-tourism as they begin to see the easily be used for a small launch point on the river’s Fulton County is likewise embedded in the city’s culture. river as an asset instead of a barrier to industry. water trail. The proximity to Foxhall resort would also have an appeal for guests of that venue or those looking The view from 30,000 feet: The corridor from the

SCAPE 20 Aerotropolis to Foxhall Resort and beyond may well be surrounding communities and cause equity issues. Reference: Holder, M, Holder D., Mabry, D, 2012, the greatest opportunity for economic development in Consensus seemed to be that the current industrial Historic Banning Mills, since 1826; a legacy the entire state (no small promise in the largest state uses were regional draws, but something to consider. of leadership; 113 p; privately published. east of the ). This potential is high- quality commercial and residential development. Such Many of the historic ferry crossings in the area may growth requires infrastructure in utilities, ranging from give an opportunity for story-telling and design nodes sewer to fiber optic cable, transportation (vehicular and transit) and significant upgrading of public education. Concern was raised about the RiverLands becoming These are basics for virtually all economic development. a national attraction and how that may impact What can both improve well-being and differentiate immediate neighborhoods. This concern may be more this corridor? The answer: the conservation of the generally applicable to the RiverLands as a whole, natural environment, the experiential attractiveness but seemed like some people translated "national of public access and related venues (like Cochran Mill attraction" as meaning something akin to Six Flags or Park), and the benefits of “living in nature” that foster an amusement park. That interpretation surprised me good health and productivity. Right now is the time but may be worth considering in future messaging. to capitalize on the opportunity this study affords to do something exceptional on the world stage. SNAKE CREEK & BANNING MILLS, CARROLL COUNTY Immediate and significant infrastructure needs are required to combat runoff issues; Erosion by downcutting along the Chattahoochee River forces downcutting on tributary . However, This is one of the most impacted stretches of the river the Chattahoochee has two major advantages over its but the impact may afford an opportunity to embrace tributaries. It has a much greater discharge, and exploits that characteristic with more desirable uses such as the zone of weakness caused by shearing along the breweries, clean tech uses, artisan makers and other Brevard fault zone. Although, they have lower discharge light industrial type uses, etc. Possible to come up with (less energy) and cut through more resistant rock, branding for the sub-area recognizing and embracing tributaries like Snake Creek must keep pace with erosion the area's history of industrial uses (Sweetwater Mill) along the trunk stream. In consequence the tributaries and current industrial nature rather than trying to fight have steep gradients and erode narrow ‘v’ shaped valleys it. (Maybe the RiverYards? or something similar??). or gorges, with numerous rock outcrops, waterfalls and rapids; ideal locations for the utilization of water power. To the extent development is desired or will occur along the greater greenway this area may afford The first mill on Snake Creek was constructed in 1847 an opportunity to focus development on these by John and William Bowen for the manufacture of already impacted sites and have them redeveloped either cotton or wool yarn. This was the first textile mill in an environmentally responsible way potentially in Carroll County and led to the growth of the bustling sparing other less impacted areas on the river. town of Bowenville (population 1500). Over time, the textile mill was joined by a paper mill, pulp mills, saw, cost of environmental remediation will be an impediment flour and shingle mills; a complex of ten mills supported to re-visioning. Policy and resources that can mitigate by five dams with associated raceways. In 1883 the cost and procedural difficulties will be needed. name was changed to Banning to avoid confusion with nearby Bowersville and Brownsville (Holder, et al. 2012). This area is different from other areas in that fewer residential uses are immediately abutting the river. The fortunes of the cotton and paper mills fluctuated However, displacement of industrial uses may get push through fires, a boiler explosion, the civil war, numerous back from entrenched landowners. Also, changing financial crises and changes in ownership until 1970 uses in the area could cause conflict as uses that are when the textile mill closed permanently. Since 1972 and not as compatible with industrial get introduced. especially after 1998, when the property was purchased by the Holder family, Banning Mills has been developed If industrial uses are displaced it should be evaluated as a popular recreation area and adventure resort. if such losses might impact jobs for the immediate

21