City Council approves short-term rental ordinance

City Council
ECC passes short-term rental ordinance

GILMER, Ga. — A short-term rental ordinance was passed by the Ellijay City Council on Monday Feb. 21. Ellijay City Hall was full with many attendees wanting to raise their questions and concerns over the ordinance.

The short-term rental ordinance, which has already been through two public readings, was on the agenda for a vote Monday evening. Several citizens came to the meeting to share their thoughts and most held unfavorable views on the ordinance. A common concern was the discrepancy between the ordinance’s regulation on short-term rentals and long term rentals. Some argued the ordinance is a solution to a non-existent issue, a violation of property rights, and even a threat to some citizens’ livelihoods. Others in attendance raised questions about the transparency of the council and updates to the city’s website.

ECC passes short-term rental ordinancr

The map provided at the meeting highlights the zoning of the Downtown Ellijay area.

In part, the ordinance will restrict short-term rentals to the Central Business District, although exceptions are noted. The ordinance would also allow neighboring property owners to object to conditional use permits, a provision that was also met with criticism at the meeting.

After hearing public comments Mayor Al Hoyle said, “I want to thank all of you for coming, and thank you for staying civil.” Councilman Tom Crawford spoke before the council voted on the ordinance. He stressed the importance of finding a balance between the input received from those against short-term rentals and those in favor of them: “We have to have an ordinance that will meet that happy medium.” Crawford also brought up a concern raised during public commentary, agreeing that a $1000 fee was “exorbitant” which resulted in a change to match similar fees. Another member of the council, Sandy Ott, responded to those who feel that long-term rentals create more issues than short-term rentals, “We have code enforcement. Let the city know about those issues so that we can be informed and something can be done about that. So, please let us know.” Before adjourning, Mayor Hoyle expressed the city’s interest in having a website administrator address the issues raised at the meeting.

City Council ends parking elimination, prepares for Light Up Ellijay

City Council
City Council Prepares for Light Up Ellijay

GILMER, Ga. — The Ellijay City Council has voted to end the River St. parking elimination test early, and will move barricades to the downtown roundabout in preparation for Light Up Ellijay on Nov. 26.

During their October meeting, city council discussed the details of a controversial bid to eliminate downtown parking. Ultimately, at the recommendation of the DDA, the council voted to barricade only River St. parking and set a test period of Oct. 23 to Jan. 2.

However, at their latest meeting, the Ellijay City Council voted to remove the barricades from River St. early, and have them relocated to the roundabout for the Light Up Ellijay event. After the event, the barricades will be moved back to storage. There was some discussion about setting a new test period, but Police Chief Lacey said, “I think what we found out, is that it warrants further study by somebody who is more learned and has some stamps on their certifications.”

Barricades are currently in place to block parking along River St.

 

Light Up Ellijay is an annual event that serves as an unofficial beginning to the Christmas season for Ellijay residents. Each year, the downtown fills with residents coming to see the parade and watch the lighting of the Christmas tree. COVID-19 complications prevented the full celebration in 2020, but Light Up Ellijay is set to take place this year on Nov. 26, with the parade beginning at 6 p.m.

Ellijay City Council votes on roundabout parking elimination

City Council, Community
City hall discusses parking elimination

GILMER, Ga. — The Ellijay City Council met Oct. 18 to make a decision regarding the proposed test period for closure of parking on the downtown roundabout. Reese Sanford spoke for the Downtown Development Authority, and gave the council the DDA’s new recommendation. 

Sanford addressed the council saying, “As requested at the downtown traffic workshops [that] city hall had this summer, the DDA’s been doing due diligence on the roundabout parking.” Sanford noted that the DDA recommendation is a product of consultation with the joint development authority, the police department, the city council, and local business owners. 

He explained that the consideration first arose as a way to improve public safety in the downtown area, citing three incidents on the roundabout in the last year: “Third party reports have suggested that the traffic congestion downtown is a long term business risk. The easiest solution is to move parking away from traffic and away from the pedestrians.” He also mentioned that the DDA has already requested more signs to direct visitors to safer parking locations, like behind Dalton State College. However, when he went to check, Sanford says, “Of 230 [parking spots], only 32 were in use. If we can guide cars to this lot, we can alleviate a lot of our issues.” 

The DDA, as Sanford brings up, had previously published a recommendation to shut down all roundabout parking; however, “as a result of the September town hall, we have revised our original proposal … and this is the result of the community input we received at this meeting.” Sanford then explained the revised proposal: “We will not touch the nine spaces, which includes the one handicap space, on the north side of the roundabout … Our revised proposal is to barricade parking on the nine spaces on the south side of the roundabout, and the parallel spaces on River St., just after River Street Tavern. The businesses in these areas are supportive of it, and are very interested in seeing what they can find in the trial period.” 

Sanford noted that parking is not being reduced, only reallocated. He says the period might even increase business activity, suggesting that outdoor dining, artists, or walking tours could occupy the new space: “If this test period goes well, and leads to a desire for a long term change, paving over the spaces is not the only solution.” 

Sanford finished, “We are proposing a test period from Oct. 23 to Jan. 2. The spaces will be blocked off 7 days per week.” He says then the DDA will host another town hall, and convene to settle on a final opinion to present to the city council. 

After his presentation, the council members took the opportunity to raise their concerns. Kathryn Lancey spoke first, wondering why the DDA revised their original proposal. Sanford responded, “Why force an experiment on some people, when there’s others that are offering their space?”

Tom Crawford brought up the community saying, “I’m kind of astonished that you’re making a recommendation after the town hall was a resounding ‘no.’” Sanford replied by mentioning that not all citizens go to town halls and the businesses are willing, but Crawford continued: “If you’re gonna do a test period … why on God’s earth do it at the busiest season of the year?” Both Sanford and the council members discussed these concerns, but ultimately decided to close parking. 

When time to vote on the issue, Kevin Pritchitt asked to amend, saying, “I make a motion to [limit the] downtown parking elimination test for River St. only.” The motion was unanimously passed, and the parking spaces on River St. are planned for closure beginning Oct 23. 

Chili Challenge Events draws crowd despite weather

Community, Festivals
Harrison Park Chili Challenge

Harrison Park Chili Challenge TentELLIJAY, Ga. – The 2019 Harrison Park Chili Challenge saw great attendance this year with many vendors running out of chili well before the 3:00 p.m. ending of the event.

Citizens flooded the park to taste a wide array of chili types including “Carnivore,” vegan options, traditional, spicy, and many in between. Entries were made by local businesses and other entities like Autumn Ridge Community Church, the Gilmer Fire Department, Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza, a Little Baked Bakery, White Oak Tree Service, Talking Threads Custom Embroidery, Mosquito Authority, Appalchia Cafe, Cameron Hall of Ellijay, Artful Ellijay, and even the Friends of Harrison Park offered their own chili tasting.

But there was much more than just chili tastings to do at the park. Kids were welcomed to a Bounce House provided by Autumn Ridge Community Church while others sat with their chili listening to the live music. The scarecrow invasion saw many home-designed scarecrows along the walking path in the park. Over 25 were available for people to look at along the path and though the chili challenge is gone, these guys are sticking around through this week for citizens to still visit.

Harrison Park Chili Challenge ScarecrowThe crowds made their way to this challenge despite some heavy rains off and on throughout the day. Yet, the live music played on and many vendors ran out out of chili by 1:30 p.m. As the event coordinators and Friends of Harrison Park hosted the event, representatives have already said they are wanting to continue in years to come annually and are looking at everything that went right and those that could use improvement for coming years.

 

Gilmer Halloween Trick or Treating Safety Zone 2018

Community

Gilmer County, GA

There was a large turnout for trick or treating in Downtown Ellijay.  The downtown area was filled with our local businesses all dressed up and enjoying the evening handing out candy.  Ghosts and goblins of all sizes enjoyed the warm evening with a wide array of costumes. Enjoy the slideshow below:

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Artful Ellijay, Featuring Renowned Ga Artists and Craftsmen, Opens in Downtown Ellijay

Community

Furniture, Home Décor and Accessories Ideal for Home or Gifting Add to Downtown Offerings

ATLANTA (Oct. 1, 2018) – Bringing together a love for interior design and the north Georgia mountain town of Ellijay, life-long friends Paul King and Steve Wadley, along with their team of family and friends have curated an outstanding collection of home décor and accessories with the opening of a brick and mortar location of Artful Ellijay. The new storefront is located at 10 N. Main Street in the heart of historic downtown Ellijay. Providing a mix of merchandise that is soulful and eclectic, Artful Ellijay features local artists, hand-crafted accessories and many more items to fulfill home goods and gifting needs. An Open House and Ribbon Cutting will be held on Oct. 2, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., where guests can explore store offerings, meet the design team and enjoy complimentary refreshments.

The idea for the business started when life-long friends Steve Wadley and Paul King developed an interest in crafting metal art in Wadley’s barn in Ellijay. The first pieces they created became elegant décor for the wedding of Wadley’s daughter, Samantha to Damon Gabriel. From there, the idea evolved into bringing together unique pieces crafted by Georgia artisans, where people could add them to their own homes. The Artful Ellijay team formed as Samantha and Damon moved from Atlanta to build a new life in Ellijay, create the business of celebrating and bringing Georgia craftsmanship into more homes and become engaged members of the community.

In addition to Samantha and Damon, the team includes Karen Driskell, Paul’s sister, who will share her 22 years of expertise as a past professor of interior design at Bauder University and is the Creative Director for Artful. Joining Driskell are her close friends and design associates, the store’s Retail Manager Laura Webb, a former retail manager for renowned Atlanta design institution Outrageous Interiors, and Lead Interior Designer Charlene Tittle, who has more than 20 years of experience in interior design in Atlanta. Whether connected by blood, marriage, friendship or passion for the design, they consider one another family and are proud to bring another family owned business to the town. With their love for interior design, fine craftsmanship and being a part of the economic development of Ellijay, which all now call home, the team at Artful Ellijay looks forward to sharing their carefully crafted collection of home furnishings and design expertise to assist clients in finding the ideal pieces to bring both beauty and comfort to their homes.

“Having spent more than a decade visiting my parent’s Ellijay home on the weekends, I’d already fallen in love with the beauty of the North Georgia mountains as well as all that downtown Ellijay and the surrounding area has to offer,” shared Samantha Wadley, co-owner of Artful Ellijay. “We look forward to assisting customers in selecting pieces to curate a home that not only looks beautiful, but also lends itself to functional and artful living.”

Items are available for sale both in store as well as through their online outlet at www.ArtfulEllijay.com. Customers can find an array of unique and thoughtfully sourced furniture, lighting, home goods, outdoor pieces, and accessories while consulting with an experienced design team on what pieces will be the best fit for their home or as gifts for someone else.

Some of the store’s featured artists and craftsmen include:

  • Emily Griffith– renowned animal portrait artist in Alpharetta, Ga., who was the resident artist for UGA’s UGA VII, VIII and IX, as well as celebrities such as Tori Spelling and Cindy Wilson of the B-52s
  • Kim Daniels – Ellijay based artist with a focus on oil paintings of farm life
  • Abbi Reece Cagle – Ellijay native photographer, jeweler and painter
  • Anna DeStefano – Nature photographer and owner of Affirmation Photography
  • Bill Tyndale– Woodturner in Atlanta, using local wood from arborists, storm damaged or trees cut down due to age, to create art from what might otherwise be waste
  • Melanie Sheldon – Watercolor artist in Blairsville, Ga., whose work is featured as murals and in galleries throughout Georgia, Florida and New Mexico.
  • Jim Wonderling – National award-winning Dahlonega based colored pencil artist

“Each person on our team has fully invested in not only the business of Artful Ellijay, but also in the Ellijay community and it’s prosperity by making it their full-time home,” noted Samantha. “We are thrilled to be a part of the outstanding businesses contributing to the renaissance of downtown Ellijay.  Our Open House on October 2 is just the beginning of how we plan to be family-friendly and community focused in all that we do.”

About Artful Ellijay

Artful Ellijay is a family owned and operated home provisions business located in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains in the historic downtown of Ellijay, Ga. The team at Artful Ellijay believe the home should be a place of refuge and comfort. It offers products to curate a home that not only looks beautiful, but also lends itself to functional and artful living. Providing a mix of merchandise that is chic yet functional, Artful Ellijay features local artists, hand-crafted accessories and many more items to fulfill home goods and gifting needs. For more information, visit www.ArtfulEllijay.com and follow on FacebookInstagram and Pinterest.

River Street Tavern named CraftBeer.com’s Great American Beer Bar in Georgia

Lifestyle

ELLIJAY, Ga. – River Street Tavern has been recognized as the best beer bar in Georgia in the annual Great American Beer Bars competition conducted by CraftBeer.com—the Brewers Association’s website for beer lovers.

With more than 6,000 small and independent craft brewers operating throughout the country, beer lovers have a bevy of options to indulge and delight in their favorite beverage. To help enthusiasts take advantage of where to find palate-pleasing pints in every state, CraftBeer.com readers were recently polled to determine the best beer bars in all 50 states and Washington D.C.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized in the craft beer world. We could not have done this without our great staff and amazing customers. It is our goal to provide great food paired with amazing craft beer and to continue to grow in our great community,” said Brad Simmons, owner of River Street Tavern.

“CraftBeer.com readers have an extensive level of insight on what makes a beer bar truly stand out,” said Jess Baker, editor in chief of CraftBeer.com. “The Great American Beers Bars, selected by nearly 8,000 individual nominations cast by CraftBeer.com readers, are each stewards of quality craft beer and beer service. These outstanding beer bars, taprooms and brewpubs introduce their customers to new and exciting beer experiences and have been integral to the success of the independent craft brewing movement.”

Community Trick or Treat in Downtown Ellijay ~ Halloween 2017

Community

It was a Happy Halloween in Downtown Ellijay!  Great weather and a great crowd!  Several businesses came out and gave candy in the safe zone on the square in downtown Ellijay! Lots of candy and costumes ~ Enjoy the slideshow below:

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Karla’s Korner – Halloween Events in Ellijay

Community, Gilmer County Chamber

Karla is getting us all in the Halloween spirit for this week. There are so many fun events for the whole family. Several churches will be hosting Trunk or Treat events, Ellijay Rocks will be having a “Rock-Toberfest,” American Legion is having “scary-okie,” Kid Fest at GHS and more!!! Check out the Chamber’s “Halloween Things To Do” page for all the details on these great events. Tune in on Halloween morning at 8:30 to see Karla, BKP and the FYN team dressed up for Halloween!

Karla’s Korner – Halloween Spooktacular

Community, Gilmer County Chamber

Its Halloween ya’ll! As you can see we all got in the Halloween Spirit today for the show. We even had Trump visit the show. Come out to the downtown area tonight and get all the candy you can carry from the local businesses. There will be Trunk or Treat events as well. Thank you to the Gilmer Chamber for sponsoring this segment.

Georgia Apple Festival LIVE from Gilmer County – Watch FYNTV.com

Community

Go to FYNTV.com and check out everything going on at the Georgia Apple Festival this weekend!  FetchYourNews.com & FYNTV.com will visit with vendors and highlight all the action at the Apple Festival!

ELLIJAY CELEBRATES 45 FUN-FILLED YEARS!

Welcome to North Georgia! The Georgia Apple Festival brings two exciting weekends to Ellijay, Georgia every year with hundreds of vendors offering food, art, crafts, and more, as well visitors from all over.

The Ellijay Lions Club, the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce, the cities of Ellijay and East Ellijay, and Gilmer County invite everyone to come and enjoy the 45th year of the Georgia Apple Festival. There are over 300 vendors with handmade, hand-crafted items, as well as many on-site demonstrations of how selected types of crafts are made. This year promises many new crafts as well as favorites from past festivals. There is a parade and antique car show each year. The antique car show is held at the Civic Center on October 8th. The parade is on October 15th and begins at 10 AM in historic downtown Ellijay.

Ellijay City Council passes Alcohol Ordinance -Tables Sidewalk Cafe Ordinance

News

Ellijay City Council held its workshop, public hearing, and regular meeting Monday night, April 18th.  The room was full and there was a good deal of time for questions and comments to the Council.

Once citizen input time was closed the meeting moved along quickly.  A zoning change at 7661 Hwy 515 North, (Sturgeons Amphitheater) was granted for 2 acres to be rezoned Residential from Commercial.  A paving bid decision was made.  The Council moved and passed the Alcohol Ordinance however the Sidewalk Cafe Ordinance was tabled for further review by the Council.  There was a first reading for a Technology Surcharge Ordinance and a decision made on their bank account.

Mayor Hoyle repeatedly expressed to the crowded room to come and sit down with him at any time, stating he has an “open door policy” and will gladly meet with anyone who has questions or concerns.  See full video below of workshop and meeting:

Ellijay City Council Workshop & Meeting Video

Ellijay City Council Workshop & Meeting April 18th 2016 – Video

Videos

https://youtu.be/IA4zIQWL-2Y

St. Petrick’s Day Parade ~ Downtown Ellijay, GA

Community

The St. Petrick’s Day Parade was held March 19th in Downtown Ellijay, GA with a large turnout.  Lots of furbabies dressed up and came out and enjoyed the fun!  The weather cooperated for a pleasant day for fun with the pups, and a couple of rabbits.  Following the parade there was a talent contest for Most Talented, Best Smooch, Miss Congeniality, Shortest Tail, and more.  Enjoy the slideshow below:

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St. Petrick’s Day Celebration March 19th

Community

Celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and our love of our pets combine in downtown Ellijay this Saturday. The annual “St. Petrick’s Day” activities begin with a pet parade, lining up at City Hall from noon to 1 p.m. and a Blessing of the Pets just before 1. After the parade down North Main, around the roundabout, and back up North Church Street, the fun goes on with pet contests and children’s activities.

Then the celebration on North Main Street will feature craft vendors, Irish food, live music, and corn hole. Come walk with your pet for $5, which goes to the Friends of Gilmer County Animal Shelter . For more information visit Downtown Ellijay on Facebook or call 706.635.2782.

Police Chase Ends in crash at Square in downtown Ellijay

News

According to authorities a chase ended with a crash at the square in downtown Ellijay, GA on Saturday night.  The roundabout was shut down shortly after 11 PM on March 12th 2016 due to the accident.

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It appears the vehicle ended up on the sidewalk just north of the square and from photos (courtesy of Wayne Sloop – The 1907 Restaurant) it broke the window out one of the downtown shops.   FYN does not have details at this time as to what prompted the vehicle to elude police and will update as more information becomes available.

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In a recent update, the Ellijay City Police issued this statement,

On Saturday evening, Officer Loera responded to a report of an impaired driver.  In an attempt to catch up to and investigate the driver for suspected DUI, he followed the vehicle northbound from the Citgo on South Main to the round a bout where he witnessed the vehicle drive upon the curb and sidewalk at the intersection of North Main and River Street.  The vehicle struck street signs as well as two of the City’s street lamps.  One street sign was launched through a window of a business and the vehicle came to rest upon the side of the City Barber shop.  In the attached photos compiled from the officer’s in-car dash camera, you can see the driver passing in the center turn lane near Spring Street (1); driving upon the curb and barely missing the Yield sign (2); striking the first lamp post (3) the second lamp post (4) and the vehicle’s final resting spot (5).  Officer Loera arrested the driver for DUI and turned the accident scene over to the Georgia State Patrol for investigation. The driver stated that he had only had 3 beers.  Please don’t drink and drive.

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