Ellijay City Council votes on roundabout parking elimination
City Council, Community October 19, 2021GILMER, 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.
City of Ellijay to discuss removal of downtown parking Monday
News October 15, 2021ELLIJAY, Ga. – More than just citizens living inside the city limits, people from East Ellijay and all over Gilmer County outside of either city’s limits have been voicing opinions and concerns over the loss of parking on the square and down River Street.
This Monday, October 15, 2021, will see the Ellijay City Council hear the proposal from a representative of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and has an agenda item to take action on the subject. The agenda lists this as “Downtown Parking Elimination Test.” The idea is to test how the area will respond without parking through Light Up Ellijay in December. The Mayor’s Report in the city council notes that this will eliminate parking “on the roundabout and River Street.”
Discussion has risen from the DDA, but has found stark opposition from certain members of the public. From very specific concerns of elderly and handicapped people looking to keep the close by parking for places like the Cantaberry Restaurant, Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company, Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza, River Street Tavern, and others to general concerns about eliminating any parking in such a busy area of the city.
Those speaking in favor of the elimination have quoted public safety concerns and traffic flow. Accidents have occurred in the area and comments have been made referencing these incidents when someone may pull out or back out into traffic. Others have complained about how difficult it is to back out of the lots on the square.
Discussions have also come from some to convert the roundabout parking into all handicapped parking spaces and marking off several spots to allow for van unloading from the sides for wheelchair users.
The Downtown Square already has posted speed limits signs along River Street and the city has also put up flashing signs in the past warning drivers of their speed as they cross the bridge on River Street.
Eighteen parking spots isn’t a large number compared to the lot sizes like the one behind Dalton State College or the one behind the courthouse next to the Tabor House, but the main push to keep the spots has focused on the needs for closer parking for older people. Four years ago, in 2016, research was shown in the Gilmer Board of Commissioners meetings as the county was losing its hospital proving Gilmer had 25% of its population as 65 or older. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, research has proven that the consistent occupancy of Gilmer County is increasing from more and more people moving here along with more and more tourists visiting.
The question of the day and the question behind the parking spots on the roundabout and down River Street, ultimately, has very little to do with parking, but has everything to do with traffic and congestion. Some downtown business owners are also pushing to keep the roadside parking to allow for older citizens to have easier access, but also to allow for those who may see an open spot and are only looking to quickly get in and out of one store instead of touring the downtown area.
Officials have emphasized that the action taken, if approved, is only a test run. Discussion has continued to run rampant among how the city would block off the spots, what kind of image it gives to visitors, what it would do to locals, how it would affect businesses, how it will change the look and feel of the downtown area. Discussion will continue on Monday, October 18, 2021, at 5:30 when the City of Ellijay enters its workshop right before the 6:00 p.m. meeting.
City Council Denies 2019 On Premise Consumption License Fee Refund for The Roof Ellijay, Approves Other Consumption License Renewals.
City Council, News December 18, 2019ELLIJAY, Ga. – The Ellijay City Council denied an on premise consumption license fee refund for The Roof Ellijay, approves four on premise consumption license renewals, one off premise consumption license renewal, and re-appointed Josh Moyers to the Downtown Development Authority during their meeting held on Monday, December 16, 2019.
Because The Roof Ellijay is opening later than initially planned (currently set to open sometime in March of 2020), they had requested a refund from the Ellijay City Council regarding their on premise consumption license fee.
Initially, during the workshop meeting held just prior to the council meeting, council member Al Fuller seemed to be the only one in favor of potentially issuing the refund, with council member David Westmoreland openly opposed to the idea.
Mayor Al Hoyle made it known that The Roof Ellijay had obtained both their state and local on premise consumption license, and that the state wouldn’t issue a refund for theirs, but that the local consumption license had to be obtained before The Roof Ellijay could obtain their state consumption license, which they had.
Fuller stated that such a refund had never been given before, and that the current ordinance would have to be amended should they vote in favor of the refund.
Westmoreland went on to say that administrative costs come into play, and that, use it or not, once the license has been purchased, it’s been purchased.
During the meeting, the council voted unanimously against the On Premise Consumption License refund.
The following on premise consumption license renewals did take effect though, with the council voting unanimously in favor of each:
Beer, wine, distilled spirits – Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza
Beer, wine – Cantaberry Restaurant
Beer, wine – Boardwalk Pizza and Pub
Beer, wine – County Corner Kitchen
The following off premise consumption license renewals also took place, again with the council voting unanimously in favor:
Hwy 5 General Store
Josh Moyers, already vice chairman of the Downtown Development Authority, was also re-appointed by unanimously by the council, as his term was set to expire.
A video of the meeting may be viewed below!
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Ellijay accepts two roads to maintenance system
News December 21, 2017ELLIJAY, Ga. – Updates to the project on Victory Circle came in Ellijay’s December Council Meeting.
The project, officially named the Victory Christian Center, requested the city take a new road into its maintenance system. The road will connect Victory Circle, behind the old Blue Ridge Carpet Mill, to Progress Road. This new connection will become the main entrance to the facility, and one of three access points, as Victory Christian continues plans to add another entrance on Maddox Drive near the city limits sign, to decrease traffic stress at the four-way stop of Progress Road and Maddox Drive. Following the back side of the old carpet mill, the road will connect from the first curve on Victory Circle.
The project, according to Randy Durden from the North Georgia Christian Foundation, will be paid for by combining donations, including property from the neighboring PDQ Manufacturing and Waterwheel and money from the Victory Christian Center for construction of the road pending the council’s agreement to accept the road for maintenance. The official approval came as a motion for agreement in principal that the city would accept the road contingent upon it being built to Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) specifications with 60-foot right-of-ways and Ellijay City requirements.
However, this was not the only addition to the city’s road systems. The council officially approved accepting 1.6 miles of state Route 382 into the city street system.
After consideration in November, the council further investigated and attained confirmation that the state would repave the road. According to Ellijay Mayor Al Hoyle, the Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner assured him they would resurface the road and make sure everything is in good shape, including striping and guard rails.
Along with the accepting of the state road, the council separately approved accepting the Lighting Agreement. The new roundabout being built at the intersection of Highway 382 and Old Highway 5 will have street lights for the roundabout for which the city is agreeing to pay the lighting bill.
Ellijay City Councilman David Westmoreland requested consultation from Ellijay City Police Chief Edward Lacey if there would be a negative consequence. Lacey suggested he could not see anything negative stating, “It is contiguous with our current city system of roads.”
Lacey was also requested to speak on a second item, a request for speed bumps on Gilmer Street near the senior center. The council asked last month for Lacey to investigate and speak at this meeting. Officially recommending the street return to a one-way street as it has been in the past, Lacey suggested do not enter signs to prevent traffic from traveling toward Delaware Street. The council did not grant the speed bump request for the street, but instead went with Lacey’s recommendation to make it one way. This means traffic on Gilmer Street must flow toward Broad Street and toward the courthouse.
Cartecay Vineyards is moving downtown with approval for Cartecay Wine and Craft Pub at 19 South Main Street in Ellijay for a wine tasting room.
After an executive session, Ellijay’s city council approved three members to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). With four openings and only three filled, the city is still looking to fill another position on the authority board. Those three approved were Josh Quigley, Mark Luchauer and Joshua Moyer.
Ellijay Management Changes Through City Council and Special DDA Meetings
News July 24, 2017ELLIJAY, GA – The Ellijay City Council is moving forward to swap out pumper’s for its Fire services.
After numerous problems with its current 2002 Lavern Class A Pumper, the City Council have voted to accept bids on the fire truck. Through their work session, discussion came that a minimum price be set for $85,000. The Council did approve the minimum price on the bids, but can also refuse bids at a later date. The revenue from the sale will offset the cost of the city purchasing a 1996 Smeal Class A Pumper for $60,000.
A First Reader also came at the Council’s July meeting for an “Ordinance For The Demolition and Removal Of A Dwelling Unfit For Human Habitation Located At 19 Hancock Drive.” Designated as parcel 1065. Although this is a First Reader, the demolition could move forward in 30 days if no change occurs in the situation.
Citizens also took time to speak at the meeting with one questioning the Come Play in Ellijay Golf Tournament and the DDA (Downtown Development Authority). Her question was to locate funds raised from last year’s event to support current and future events. The same day as the Council Meeting, the DDA held a special called meeting in which they discussed the Golf Tournament.
During the DDA’s meeting, the Authority officially turned over the Golf Tournament Event to the newly formed Ellijay Merchant’s Association. The Golf Tournament is the latest event to be turned over as the DDA has already relinquished the July 4th event, Light Up Ellijay, St. Petrick’s Day, and the Halloween Festivities.
While turning the events over, the DDA will be giving up the promotions and events committee’s in favor of the Merchant’s Association who have become their own 501c3 organization.
The second action from the DDA’s special called meeting returned the Management of the Welcome Center/Restroom downtown to the City.
DDA Agenda for Wednesday, 25th
Announcements January 24, 2017Ellijay Downtown Development Authority
Promotions Meeting
January 25, 2017
5:00 PM
Ellijay City Hall
Agenda
New Business
*Annual Events Calendar
*St. Patrick’s Day
Board Members:
Jim Stover – Chair
Brad Simmons – Vice Chair
Jeff Riblet – Treasurer
Jerry Davis
Cliff Lancey
Lynelle Stewart
Judy Wilson
DDA Updates Businesses on Website
News January 12, 2017The Ellijay Downtown Development Authority received an exciting update to its upcoming Ellijay website at it’s Wednesday , January 11, Meeting.
The website currently under construction is adding new features such as live updates connection with a businesses Facebook page. This is in addition to the already announced links and content that business owners can get from becoming part of the site like the YouTube video tour, business photos, direct map links, and descriptions. However, the moe exciting news to those business owners attending the meeting came as the website membership is becoming free.
Business owners all over the Ellijay’s, according to the DDA, are welcome to join the site to increase exposure by visiting ellijay-georgia.com and following the link in the top right to “Add My Business.” Authority members have dropped the $45 fee in favor of increasing memberships to further aid the DDA. Fund raising will still be a part of the plan, however. As the website will be utilizing some advertisement space to raise those funds later.
Discussion also arose on exposing the website with ideas ranging from window stickers similar to the popular “Gilmer’s Got It!” stickers, exposure to tourists through booklets in local hotels, to cross posts and social marketing through the Cities websites and pages. While the website is still collecting members to become fully operational, business owners can “preview” the site’s setup through the same ellijay-georgia.com address.
The DDA also was set to elect new officers during their meeting. But, due to the absence of three members, was forced to table the elections until February’s meeting.
Zoning Issues in Ellijay’s City Council
News November 22, 2016The majority of citizen’s and council’s input revolved around two issues that faced the Council at Monday nights meeting, November 21.
A Public Hearing was held before the regular meeting to hear citizens speaking for or against a Rezoning of Lot 13 on Legion Road to Commercial. The owner, David Rachlin, stood to speak about his plans for the lot stating he was wanting to establish an RV Resort for visitors to the area.
His Resort idea included 10 RV’s that he would rent to visitors and establish on the premises, so no visitors would need bring theirs. While he expects mostly weekenders and short time stays, the owner also spoke of adding other facilities to accommodate the Resort including a Sauna, Jacuzzi, Game Room, and even a possible Basketball Court.
According to Rachlin, the business has already been tested in a separate area and has been receiving five star reviews on popular sites such as Yelp! The business would be set to open from April 15 to November 1 each year.
However, several neighbors to the proposed lot appeared before the council to oppose the rezoning request such as Gary Blasky, a resident of the nearby Timberwalk Estates, who raised questions about the size of the lot, its boundaries, and the close proximity to his neighborhood.
Another resident of Timberwalk raised her security concerns as well stating the proximity would allow campers in the RV Resort to be only a short walk from residents backyards and their children.
Jim Mahoney, a nearby resident who stated he lived within 200 feet of the lot, opposed the zoning request on concerns about increased noise and traffic on the road in addition to his proximity.
In fact, roughly 10 different people stood in the public hearing to voice their concerns in addition to a report of numerous calls, a 15-signature petition, and a letter from the Environmental Health Department concerned about the size of the lot in relation to the stated plans for a commercial business.
Ultimately, the overwhelming opposition before the City Council led to a 5-0 vote to deny the request.
Other requests before the council involved new and renewed alcohol licenses including, Holts Mini Mart for an Off Premise Consumption Beer and Wine License, Ellijay Convenience for an Off Premise Beer License, Seth’s on Boardwalk for an On Premise Beer and Wine License, American Legion for an On Premise Consumption Renewal, Cajun Depot for an On Premise Beer and Wine Renewal, River Street Tavern for an On Premise Beer, Wine, and Distilled Spirits Renewal, and Lee’s on River Street for an On Premise Beer, Wine, and Spirits Renewal.
All of these licenses received approvals, but those approvals came contingent upon background checks for each as the City has had trouble receiving the checks due to a change in process. According to City Clerk Sharon Nelson, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation recently informed the Council non-criminal checks now have to be done through a third party.
One other subject on alcohol came through the Council’s meeting as they are once again considering an ordinance to allow alcohol on the Downtown Boardwalk. This time, the ordinance would allow for a specific section of the Boardwalk to be an allowable zone for those drinking at the local restaurant.
Ellijay City Chief of Police Edward Lacey was asked his opinion on the possibility in the meeting. He replied as long as clear signs marked the area, it would be enforceable by officers.
The discussion came up to gauge the council’s interest before spending money on the City Attorney to draw up another legal wording document for the council. The First Reader on this specific “Zone of the Boardwalk” will appear before the Council in December’s Meeting.
Two final actions taken by the council at Monday’s meeting appointed new members to two boards.
The Council returned Lex Rainey to the Gilmer County Board of Health for a 6 year appointment. Rainey was already on the Board, but was nearing the end of his term. City Mayor Al Hoyle told the Council that the Board of Health requested the City re-appoint Rainey due to his active roles and support he brought to them.
Finally, the City Council also filled a vacancy on the Downtown Development Authority with Judy Wilson. Mayor Hoyle informed the Council Wilson had already been notified and indicated she would be willing to serve on the DDA.
Budget Woes Still Plague DDA
News May 19, 2016Budget woes are still haunting Ellijay’s Downtown Development Authority. After having sent a letter at the end of last year, DDA member Larry Robinson states the city still has not responded with answers to why their budget was cut and options to return to proper funding for the DDA. A budget that was said to be expected close to $35,000, Robinson says the actual funding received was less than $10,000.
Available options for funding were also discussed in the meeting including an option to reallocate one of Ellijay’s Mils in taxes inside the Downtown district to support the DDA. Another option revolved around a surcharge on business licenses could be used instead to support the Authority. With this extra support, DDA Chair Jim Stover says a myriad of options could open to further Ellijay’s Downtown area from grants for businesses, small loans for new business, available funds for upgrades, support and finances for new and existing business as needed. Though, no specific decisions on use could be made until the funding becomes available.
Members also discussed public events at Wednesday’s meeting. Vice Chair Brad Simmons spoke about cutting a problem off before it raises with alcohol sales at events like the upcoming July 4th celebration. As the celebration encompasses the local businesses, the city parking lot, the boardwalk, and the adjacent alley, issues could arise as people carry drinks from businesses across these locations. Simmons advised that a wristband begin being used to identify citizens who have been checked for ID and would allow them to carry their drinks into the parking lot event grounds.
This band would also restrict the locations that the alcohol would be allowed. While grounds for the event could encompass certain restaurants adjacent to the event, Ellijay’s open carry restrictions would still be enforced outside of the designated area for wristbands. While this idea is still being investigated by the DDA, they are expected to bring this option before the City Council soon to progress with upcoming events.
Along with that proposal, the DDA also said they will be requesting the city provide email accounts for its members for business use. This would designate specific accounts for the Board members so they are not forced to use personal email accounts that could become part of an Open Records Request for public information.
JDA of Gilmer County, Cities of Ellijay & East Ellijay Special Called Meeting Announcement &Agenda
Legal Notice March 11, 2016First and Final Actions as DDA Changes Officers
News January 14, 2016The Ellijay Downtown Development Authority (DDA) held its meeting yesterday afternoon. Offering the Treasurer’s report, Jeff Riblet stated the Downtown Development Authority’s account ended the year with $5,305. The DDA is planning to move forward into the new year looking to further their City Development Plans with several currently undisclosed opportunities.
The Ellijay DDA also officially approved the slate of officers nominated in their December Meeting. These new officers officially took their places with this vote. Jim Stover took position as Chairman, Brad Simmons took position as Vice Chair, and Jeff Riblet maintained his position as Treasurer. The motion was put forth by Kent Sanford, the Vice Chair of the DDA. This is one of the final actions by Sanford as he and Al Fuller are set to rotate off of the Board as their terms are ending.
The first action after the restructure came as a presentation by Paige Green of the Gilmer Chamber. The Downtown Development Authority has agreed to host a Business After Hours event for the Chamber in June. Currently, they plan to hold this event on June 16 on the Boardwalk from 4:30 to 6:30.
Appointing the Next DDA
News December 10, 2015In their last regular meeting of 2015, the Downtown Development Authority took time to announce their new members and officers for the 2016 year.
New members Mona Lowe and Crystal Nadolski will be joining the council at the beginning of the new year.
Also, in January, the Board voted for Jeff Riblet to remain as Treasurer. The new officers announced will be Jim Stover as the new Chair of the DDA and Brad Simmons as the Vice Chair.
The DDA Board Members were also excited to host Chuck Scragg of the Greater Gilmer JDA for talks of cooperation and the future in the citizen input section of their meeting.
Additionally, the Board is still selling their Boardwalk plaques and posts for Christmas gifts to people who would like to honor or memorialize any friends or family.
DDA Could See New Help
News August 12, 2015The Downtown Development Authority could see more help according to their meeting on Wednesday, August 12.
Members of the DDA approved a motion to grant Chairman Larry Robinson permission to look into the possibility of adding on an intern who has volunteered her time. Though no agreement or details on the position have been reached yet, the DDA is anxious for the possibilities of additional support for organization and office assistance as well as social media control.
Also in the meeting, the DDA reported a total of 28 posts and 9 planks sold for memorial plaques on the downtown boardwalk raising over $1,600 in additional funds. This money returns to the DDA as they prepare for the next step of the care for the boardwalk which is to include staining the wood. You can still purchase these tags from the DDA or online at Indiegogo.
Whitepath ‘Fairs’ Better
Community July 23, 2015Overwhelming Community response has flooded into the Whitepath Golf Course as it continues to upgrade and improve.
With the Board of Commissioners in support the fairways are greener and the grass is thicker than ever. Where a couple Tees used to be solid dirt, we now have proper grassy Tee Boxes.
Even the sand traps look like new sand with the care and maintenance offered by Mike Brumby and his staff at the Course. While speaking with FYN, Brumby recalled many people who have asked him ‘where he got the new sand?’ and having to tell them its not new.
Amid the course improvements and maintenance, Whitepath also has re-opened their concessions room. A beautiful room of the club with a fireplace and tables positioned to stay up-to-date on the latest in the golf world on two TVs and a snack bar serving drinks, chips, and snacks along with, when I arrived, fresh baked cookies.
The Whitepath Golf Course not only looks better, but is faring better as well. Currently standing roughly $20,000 over what they were making at this point last year, the club holds 151 memberships as opposed to the roughly 125 last year. The extra income taken is what allows the course to continue its uphill climb.
Brumby, who has himself been with the course for two years now, states he constantly has people coming to him, even at other courses, to tell him how much better the Whitepath Course is.
Even though the course looks great now, there is still much to be done according to Brumby who said,
“I could hire four more guys and keep them busy seven days a week.”
It has become a very time-consuming job as he continues to improve the greens and the course as a whole. One such improvement being the addition of stairs to the driving range. A project all but complete as the only remaining thing is to add hand-rails. Brumby says,
“This is definitely a full time job,”
As the County continues improving the course, it only serves to in turn improve the county with the birth and return of several events and tournaments such as the upcoming Come Play “Golf” in Ellijay Tournament sponsored by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) of Ellijay and the Brett Dickey Golf Tournament which recently returned to Gilmer.
If you’re looking to play, don’t forget to check out their online tee times available at GolfNow.