#CantonForward ETOWAH TO THE LOOP - Livable Centers Initiative Plan Update, June 2016 - The Shumacher Group
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#CantonForward ETOWAH TO THE LOOP Livable Centers Initiative Plan Update, June 2016
// ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
#CantonForward is a collaborative effort
between the Atlanta Regional Commission,
the City of Canton, a consultant team,
and the people of Canton. The study was
funded by the Livable Centers Initiative
and the City of Canton.
The consultant team was lead by TSW and
also included Southeastern Engineering,
Noell Consulting Group, and Morris &
Fellows.
“ T HE CI T Y OF CA N T ON WIL L NUR T URE A L L RE SIDEN T S ,
BUSINE S SE S , A ND CULT UR A L INS T I T U T IONS BY L INK ING
T HEIR RE S OURCE S T OGE T HER A ND P ROVIDING NE W
INNOVAT IVE OP P OR T UNI T IE S T O P URS UE A HIGHER
QUA L I T Y OF L IF E WHIL E P RE SERVING OUR HERI TAGE A ND
N AT UR A L RE S OURCE S” // Vision f or the Fu t ur e of Can ton
f r om the Can ton Compr ehensive Plan, 2008
2 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOP
// CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: WHAT’S IN CANTON? 4
// Progress to Date 6
// What’s Driving Canton’s Future? 12
// What Does Canton Look Like Today? 26
// What Could Canton Look Like Tomorrow? 28
CHAPTER 2: WHAT WE HEARD 30
// Community Events 32
// Surveys 33
// Community Workshop 36
// Public Open House 38
CHAPTER 3: CANTON FORWARD 40
// #CantonForward Framework Plan 42
// River Mill & Downtown Concept Plan 46
// Proposed Connections 48
// Public Space & The Arts 50
// History & Appropriate Growth Patterns 51
// Economic Growth 52
// Local Businesses 53
// River Mill District 54
// Downtown Area 56
CHAPTER 4: FROM VISION TO REALITY 58
// Overview & Timeline 60
// LCI Consistency 62
// Action Matrix & Priority Projects 64
#CANTONFORWARD 3
4 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOP
CHAPTER 1 // WHAT’S IN CANTON?
// Progress to Date
// What’s Driving Canton’s Future?
// What Does Canton Look Like Today?
// What Could Canton Look Like Tomorrow?
#CANTONFORWARD 5
Strategic Action Plan //
PROGRESS TO DATE RIVER MILL DISTRICT LCI 35 projects in categories: Land Use &
Several previous planning studies in the
// 2001 Housing; Transportation; Parks and Open
City of Canton are the foundation for Space; Local Initiatives
Vision //
#CantonForward, the 2015 Livable Centers
To create an attractive, dynamic, and
Initiative (LCI) Plan Update, and key points
economically successful community in
are summarized on the following pages.
Downtown Canton.
Goals & Objectives //
• Increase accessibility and availability
Components of transportation options in and around
applicable to Downtown
#CantonForward
• Provide open space and recreation
Study Area
opportunities near the Etowah River
• Provide attractive and safe commercial
and residential areas
• Create an active Downtown
#CantonForward
PRIORITIES
Commuter Rail Station Transportation Options Development Opportunities
6 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOP
LCI Completed Projects Checklist // Land Use & Housing
HIS T ORIC DIS T RIC T DE SIGN
Changes to Zoning and Land Use GUIDEL INE S // 2 015
Transportation River Mill District Enterprise Zone
Hickory Flat Rd. Streetscape (I-575 to Preserve Residential Integrity B o u n d a r i e s //
The railroad, Waleska Street, North Street,
Marietta Road) CDBG Funding Allocation
East Main Street, Dr. John T. Pettit Street,
Hickory Flat Rd. Extension Assess Water & Sewer Infrastructure
West Marietta Street, Marietta Road.
Marietta Rd. Streetscape (Old Marietta Increased Code Enforcement
to E. Marietta) Building Materials Standards
Railroad St. Streetscape (E. Marietta to Railroad Street Townhomes
Waleska) The Mill Development
Main St. Streetscape Restaurants
Waleska St. Streetscape
W. Marietta St. Streetscape Park, River, Stream Improvements
E. Marietta S. Streetscape Riverfront Park
Riverdale Circle Enhancements Etowah River Streambank Restoration
Intersection of Hickory Flat Rd. & Canton Creek Streambank Restoration
Marietta Rd.
Intersection of W. Marietta St., E. Local Initiatives
P u r p o s e //
Marietta St., Marietta Rd., etc. Host Developers Day
To help protect and enhance the historic
Railroad St. & Waleska St. Intersection Development Incentives
character and traditional development
Waleska St., Main St., & North St. Support Mayor’s Youth Design Team patterns of Downtown Canton, and to
Intersection Boys and Girls Club Activities protect history and support positive
Pedestrian Corridor Provide Environmental Education community change.
Bus System Service Expansion Improve Police Enforcement
Commuter Rail & Train Station Support Downtown Events
#CANTONFORWARD 7
G ui d i n g P r i n c i pl e s //
HORIZON 2030 // 2008 Issues & Opportunities //
These were defined for different categories
• Retain a sense of place:
Preserve the existing building stock for the City of Canton. This section
Vision //
and ensure that new development describes those applicable to Downtown
• Create vision for where and how growth
contributes to the area’s history by and the River Mill District.
should occur
respecting building types, styles,
• Revitalize the Downtown core and
materials, placement.
support new job opportunities in other
employment centers
• Recognize change: Land Use
Find a balance between old and
Points Applicable to #CantonForward //
new by accommodating change
• Character Areas created (Historic
with appropriate new construction to
Canton, Central City, Neighborhood
generate new investment.
Living - Sunnyside, Emerald Trail)
Redevelop Downtown and
• Growth Boundary established to
G ui d elin e F e a t u r e s // River Mill District for mixed-use
encourage compact development
• Design Review Process and high-density development
• Focus development on Downtown core
• Character Definition (materials, building Housing and add affordable housing.
and continue implementing projects
types, etc.)
from 2001 LCI Study
• Site Design Guidelines (for example: Provide opportunities
• Balance growth with protecting natural
setbacks; development patterns; for all ages, lifestyles,
resources and maintaining existing
spacing and orientation; building abilities
character
heights, landscaping) Population
• Community Assessment of DCA quality
• Architecture Guidelines (for example:
community objectives
commercial buildings; entrances and
• Analysis of existing and changing
storefronts; façade treatments)
Demographics, Housing, Economic
• New Construction / Additions / Etowah River corridor should
Development, Land Use, Natural
Conversions Guidelines (for example, be reserved for recreation.
Resources, Cultural / Historic
building placement; height, width, Water supply watersheds
Resources, Transportation, Community
scale; style elements) Natural should meet minimum
Facilities / Infrastructure
• Sign Guidelines Resources criteria. Protect wetlands,
steep slopes, floodplains, and
habitat.
8 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOPEconomic DOWN T OWN PA RK ING A N A LYSIS URBA N REDE VELOPMEN T P L A N
Development // 2 014 // 2 014
This plan took a comprehensive look V i s i o n //
Add more jobs so that people do not at the Downtown parking system and • Maintain the character of the
leave Canton, and build on environmental, made operational and management community
human, technology resources. Emphasize recommendations for existing and future • Provide affordable housing and
corporate, professional, technical job parking developments. The study included balanced land use mix
creation with redevelopment of Downtown. an analysis of existing parking operations • Create economic development
and potential future parking needs. A opportunities
Community steering committee and public involvement • Protect environmental and historical
Facilities was used to gain input from the community. resources
Expand waste water treatment capacity There is and will continue to be a surplus of • Expand and enhance community
and infrastructure, add new reservoir on parking spaces Downtown. facilities and services
Hickory Log Road, increase police staff, • Improve the City’s transportation
IMP L EMEN TAT ION P ROJEC T S network for automobiles and
3 police substations and fire station, no
immediate expansion of parks. R E C O MME ND AT I O N C O MP L E T E ? pedestrians
Create a Parking Manager No
• Ensure that future development
Historic Position within the City patterns and infrastructure are fiscally
Resources Manage parking duration / In progress sustainable
allocation through signage and
parking management
Properties, including the Canton K e y P o in t s //
Hire Parking Enforcement Officers Yes • Strong economic outlook because
Commercial Historic District, are on the
National Register of Historic Places. Some Create Parking Fine Structure Yes of development potential as an
properties are on the Cherokee County Make pedestrian improvements In progress employment center, availability
(ADA, landscaping, aesthetic)
Historical Society Database. of workforce housing, and local
Add bike racks and marketing to No
revitalization projects
promote bicycle ridership
Transportation • Policies complement the development
Improve signage location, In progress
strategies of Character Areas outlined
spacing, marketing
in the Comprehensive Plan
Marketing strategies to attract In discussion
Incorporate pedestrian & bike facilities
and direct people Downtown
with new roads, commuter rail station in
Add more public parking and less In discussion
Downtown, and balance land use with
private parking
transportation.
#CANTONFORWARD 9G o al s S u m m a r y // E T OWA H RIVER GREENWAY
• Support a growing economy offering M AS T ER P L A N // 1999
high-wage jobs and ensuring a high- This plan recommends a greenway and
level of workforce adequacy recreation along the Etowah River from
• Provide infrastructure, community I-575 to Boling Park. Recommendations
facilities, and public services include regional and city-wide connections,
• Ensure access to adequate and stream buffers, and trails along the
affordable housing options river and through Downtown and other
• Coordinate planning efforts with other parts of the city. The plan also includes
local service providers, authorities, recommendations for memorializing and
neighborhoods, state / regional honoring the Cherokee history and sites
planning agencies with educational plaques and trailheads.
• Ensure growth occurs in a well- Other features include mixed-use
integrated manner to protect development fronting the river, pedestrian
resources, promote efficient use of bridges, a park with a large amphitheater,
infrastructure and transportation retaining existing retention ponds, a
facilities, support quality economic nature center, a canoe and kayak launch,
development observation towers, and ball fields for
• Provide for the continued protection of Cherokee High School.
natural and cultural resources
• Coordinate land use and transportation The Etowah River Park, part of the
planning to support sustainable Conceptual Plan for the I-575 to Mill #2
economic development area, and accessible from Brown Industrial
Parkway, opened in summer 2015. Heritage
Im pl e m e n t a t i o n S t r a t e g i e s // Park, which was part of the Concept Plan
• Opportunity Zone designation for the Mill #2 to Waleska Street area, is
• Main Street Corridor project also open.
• Repair broken sidewalks
• Provide public water and sewer
services
10 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOP“ T HE UNIQUE P H YSICA L CH A R AC T ERIS T IC S OF T HE E T OWA H
RIVER WAT ERSHED M A K E I T ONE OF T HE MOS T BIODIVERSE RIVER
SYS T E MS IN T HE U.S . I T S P ROX IMI T Y T O ONE OF T HE COUN T RY ’ S
MOS T R A P IDLY GROWING URBA N A RE AS M A K E S I T ONE OF T HE
MOS T T HRE AT ENED” // Can ton Compr ehensive Plan, 2008
#CANTONFORWARD 11#CANTONFORWARD:
ETOWAH TO THE LOOP
STUDY AREA
The 2001 LCI study area (shown in the
dashed light green line on the map on
the adjacent page) focused primarily
on the River Mill District. As noted in the
previous planning studies section, many
of these projects have been implemented
since the adoption of the plan due to the
emphasis placed on these projects in the
2008 Comprehensive Plan (Horizon 2030)
and Zoning Ordinance. #CantonForward:
Etowah to the Loop, the 2015 LCI Update,
expands on the 2001 LCI. The new
boundary is shown in the thick black line
on the map and includes all of the 2001
LCI study area and the Historic Downtown
District.
“ T HE CI T Y NEEDS T O F OCUS ON
Above Left: The Canton Cotton Mill
T HE RE VI TA L IZ AT ION OF T HE
DOWN T OWN CORE A ND S UP P OR T ING Above Right: Historic Downtown District
T HE DE VELOPMEN T OF NE W JOB
OP P OR T UNI T IE S IN. . .O T HER
E MP LOYMEN T CEN T ERS” // C an ton
Compr ehensive Plan, 2008
12 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOP0 ft 450 ft 900 ft 1,800 ft
#CANTONFORWARD 13The City of Canton has 1,093
THE RIVER & STEEP acres of land located in the
SLOPES floodplain, making up 9%
of the city’s total land area.
However, the study area
has 194 of the acres (18% of
the total acres for the city),
and this makes up more
than 43% of the land area
of the study area, limiting
the amount and types of
T HE RIVER
development that can occur.
The #CantonForward Study Area is
bounded to the west and north by the
Etowah River, which also has significant
floodplains that comprise many acres in the
study area and a required 100 foot buffer
on both sides of the banks that prevents
certain types of development. The Etowah The Etowah River requires a 100 foot stream buffer from development on each side of the
River qualifies as a protected river, and banks. The study area has 194 acres of land located in flood plain, removing a significant
could be used as an asset for the City with amount of land from intense development. Finally, slopes of 25% change in elevation or
recreation and appropriate development. greater require protection from development, and a significant amount of undeveloped land
in the study area falls under this category.
The dark green on the map to the right
shows which land is within the 100-year
Etowah River
floodplain.
S T EEP SLOP E S
Canton was developed on top of a hill, and
much of the study area and city still have
hills with slopes preventing connectivity
and development. Hills with a slope of 25%
or greater are protected from development
(shown in the map to the right in light
green).
14 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOPTHE RIVER & STEEP
SLOPES MAP
0 ft 450 ft 900 ft 1,800 ft
#CANTONFORWARD 15HISTORY IN PLACE
CA N T ON HIS T ORY BRIEF
Canton became an industrial town because
of the railroad and the opening of the
Cotton Mill in 1899. Canton Cotton Mill #2
opened in 1924, and the city became a
manufacturer of denim. The mills were the
primary employers and they built homes
for employees, schools, and community
facilities before closing in 1981.
BUIL DINGS & P ROP ER T IE S
Downtown Canton and the River Mill
District have retained many of the historic
buildings that are important to the city’s
character. Many buildings within the
“OVER T HE Y E A RS , CA N T ON
Canton city limits are listed on the National Canton Mill #1 and the adjacent
Register of Historic Places, and others are E VOLVED F ROM UNSE T T L ED railroad tracks
listed on the Cherokee County Historical T ERRI T ORY T O A P ROSP EROUS
Society (CCHS) database (Horizon 2030,
MIL L T OWN K NOWN T HE WORL D
2008). Additional buildings and sites,
particularly within the Historic District OVER F OR I T S ‘CA N T ON DENIM’”
boundary, are noted as significant by the // Cher okee Coun t y Historical
CCHS, including Riverview Cemetery,
S ociet y Historic Down town Walk ing
Brown Park, the Mill houses, and many
commercial buildings along the Loop. Tour Br ochur e, 2008
16 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOPHISTORY IN
PLACE MAP
0 ft 450 ft 900 ft 1,800 ft
#CANTONFORWARD 17CONNECTIVITY
in the future, it will be necessary to add PA RCEL S & DE VELOPMEN T
complete street and sidewalk networks to Connectivity is reduced due to the
connect the new development internally presence of parcels that are vacant or
and to Downtown. Large travel lanes and underdeveloped, which create “holes” in
few to no sidewalks currently encourage the urban fabric or function as barriers to
higher travel speeds for drivers and reduce accessibility to other areas. Examples of
pedestrian safety. this are the empty parcels and surface
T R A NSP OR TAT ION NE T WORKS parking lots along the streets in the
The street network dissolves outside of
Downtown core, and the large fields
the Downtown core. In the blocks adjacent
adjacent to the Etowah River that prevent
to the one-way pair of E. Main Street
access to the river. Adding development,
and North Street, the street network
CONNEC T IVI T Y BA RRIERS which could include additional streets
is well-connected, and the pedestrian
The railroad, wide rights-of-way, and and sidewalks to key areas needing
environment is inviting with wide,
steep slopes on much of the undeveloped connectivity, would enhance the walkability
connected sidewalks. The one-way pair
land create barriers to connectivity. The and connectivity visually and physically.
presents connectivity barriers for vehicles
railroad has few crossings for both drivers
and forces drivers around Downtown,
and pedestrians, which blocks access
rather than connecting easily through the
to the Etowah River and developments
existing street grid. Some streets cannot
west of the railroad tracks. West Marietta
support the addition of sidewalks because
Street and Hickory Flat Road south of the
of the right-of-way width or proximity of
Downtown area have large rights-of-way
the buildings to the street edge, but some
and turning radii that increase driving
streets lack sidewalks on both sides of
speeds, effectively eliminating pedestrian
the street or have interruptions in the
safety.
network, and could support the addition of
sidewalks.
Steep slopes over 25% in grade cover
large tracts of land within the study area.
South of the Downtown area, minimal
They are protected hillsides and cannot
connectivity exists, particularly surrounding
be developed, which reduces the number
the undeveloped woodland parcels. If
of parcels available for new streets,
development is appropriate in this area
sidewalks, and development.
18 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOPCONNECTIVITY
MAP
0 ft 450 ft 900 ft 1,800 ft
#CANTONFORWARD 19WHAT COULD CHANGE?
Surface parking
lots and vacant
Canton has many opportunities to structures
potentially change the use of parcels and present
buildings. The map to the right shows immediate
the susceptibility to change by parcel opportunities for
redevelopment.
for the #CantonForward study area. The
susceptibility to change is divided into
three categories, which are:
P a r c el s N o t S u s c e p t ibl e t o C h a n g e // P a r c el s Hig hl y S u s c e p t ibl e t o C h a n g e //
Parcels not susceptible to change either Parcels marked as highly susceptible
have historic structures on them, newly- to change have surface parking, vacant
constructed buildings, single-family structures, or uses that could relocate
housing, or the land use is a public facility, given a larger development goal.
such as a park or the courthouse. Top: This image shows the former
Although noted as “not susceptible Cherokee County Courthouse
P a r c el s S o m e w h a t S u s c e p t ibl e t o to change,” historic structures that and the Town Square. These
C h a n g e // are underutilized could be potential are examples of parcels that
Parcels that are somewhat susceptible to opportunities for adaptive re-use while are not susceptible to change
(Akhenaton06, Wikimedia).
change generally have structures that are maintaining the character of the area.
not historically significant, land uses that
Middle: This image shows the
can relocate, or older multi-family housing. Canton Village Shopping Center,
which is an example of a parcel
highly susceptible to change
because of the prevalence of
surface parking and vacant
structures.
20 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOPSUSCEPTIBILITY
TO CHANGE MAP
0 ft 450 ft 900 ft 1,800 ft
#CANTONFORWARD 21THE ARTS CA N T ON T HE AT RE SERVICE L E AGUE OF CHEROK EE
T h e a t r e Hi s t o r y //
COUN T Y
The theatre opened in 1911 and showed R i v e r F e s t //
silent movies and magic lantern slide The service league of Cherokee County
shows, then, later, moving pictures. hosts RiverFest at Boling Park each year.
The theatre was sold in the 1930’s and The event is a well-attended arts and
underwent extensive remodeling before crafts festival with hundreds of vendors,
re-opening as the Canton Theatre in 1940. entertainers (music, dancing, etc.), and
CHEROK EE A R T S CEN T ER The theatre’s popularity declined by the concessions. This is a juried show and
The Cherokee Arts Center is located in
1970’s, and for many years, the building sat a fundraising effort for the children of
Downtown Canton, occupying a historic,
idle. The theatre was restored in 1994 and is Cherokee County (Service League of
former church building on North Street. The
currently owned by the City of Canton. Cherokee County, 2015).
organization aims to provide high-quality
arts and cultural events and programs.
E v e n t s & P r o g r a m s // O t h e r A r t s E v e n t s & P r o g r a m s //
The classes include visual arts, dancing,
The Theatre showcases numerous live • Annual Ball and Celebrity Dance
and children’s classes. The facility includes
performances produced by the Cherokee Challenge Competition
a gallery, 220-seat theater, and a small
Theatre Company and Reinhardt University.
meeting room (Cherokee Arts Center, 2015).
It currently seats 170.
E v e n t s & P r o g r a m s //
• Annual Canton Festival of the Arts,
which is a juried show for fine arts and Canton Theatre (City of Canton) Cherokee Arts Center
crafts held in the Spring
• Weekly classes
• Comedy shows, music performances,
plays
22 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOPUNIQUE BUSINESS MIX
High-quality restaurants serve as regional to people of the millennial generation. In
attractions for people from Atlanta and addition, offices and retail in the Downtown
Canton is north of Canton. Northside Hospital, core serve daily needs and provide
home a unique currently under construction, will bring professional services.
business mix, a significant number of jobs, including
including retail, nursing jobs, to Canton and the surrounding CA N T ON MIL L #1
manufacturing, and area. The Jones Building may be purchased Creative and boutique industrial businesses
potential for the for a film industry-related employer, which in Canton Mill #1 serve unique markets.
film industry. could bring high-quality, well-paying jobs The businesses located in this property
include a furniture maker, concrete product
manufacturer, and a church.
Proposed Northside Hospital
NOR T HSIDE HOSP I TA L
CHEROK EE // REP L ACEMEN T
FACIL I T Y
The Northside Hospital Cherokee
Replacement Facility is currently under
construction and is set to open in 2017.
The new facility is located off I-575 on the
new Northside Cherokee Boulevard. The
50-acre complex will include the hospital,
medical office building, and 900 parking
spaces, but will eventually expand to 300
image courtesy Northside Hospital
acres with more facilities. This new facility
Canton Mill #1 Downtown Businesses will generate 300 more jobs and add 21
beds to the hospital bed count.
#CANTONFORWARD 23POPULATION
Canton’s 2013 median household
income ($50,900) is very close
to the Atlanta Region’s median
household income ($55,295).
R ACE / E T HNICI T Y
Canton has a much larger Hispanic
population than the region, but the white
population is the predominant race /
ethnicity.
The age cohort data represent
the age of householders in the
City of Canton. More than 50%
of the householders are in the
Millennial and Baby Boomer
generations.
AGE
The Baby Boomer and Millennial
In both the Atlanta Region
generations make up the largest age
and the City of Canton, most
cohort groups for households in Canton.
households are married couples
/ families, at around 50% for both
See infographics to the right and more areas. The next most common
information on pages 25 to 29 to see how household type is individuals
the demographics affect the housing and living alone (singles).
retail demand for the study area and the
whole city.
24 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOPHOUSING
of housing offered in the study area while
retaining historic character.
As stated previously, over 50% of the City
of Canton’s households are part of the
Baby Boomer and Millennial generations.
Generally, these populations seek
The #CantonForward study area lacks a
mixed-use, walkable environments. The
diversity of housing options, and generally,
addition of multi-family housing options, Just over half of the households in Canton
has a low number of housing units.
particularly in the Downtown core, are owner-occupied, leaving a fairly
Downtown does not have any housing substantial rental unit percentage.
would accommodate the growing senior
units; the addition of housing could
population and the millennial generation.
support existing and future commercial
The senior population is currently served
development. The primary type of housing
outside the study area by multiple senior
in the study area is single-family detached
living communities and facilities.
housing. However, many of the historic mill
houses north and south of Downtown are
More household information and market
used for rental units and are in deteriorating
possibilities are on pages 28 to 29.
conditions. Rehabilitation and preservation
of the houses would increase the quality
Mill Houses Recent Single-Family Development
#CANTONFORWARD 25WHAT DOES CANTON LOOK
LIKE TODAY?
Canton is home to a diverse population
with retail nodes outside the study area
that provide adequate access to daily
needs and services. However, few people
who live in Canton, also work in Canton. The
adjacent infographics show how Canton Canton has a larger percentage of white population than the Region, and the Census tract
compares to the Atlanta 28-County Region containing the study area is comprised of 73% white residents. Canton has a much lower
Black population percentage than the Region, but a significantly higher percentage of
(Region) and state in terms of educational
Hispanic residents.
attainment, household characteristics,
race and ethnicity distribution, and other There are 8,090 households
demographic indicators. Generally, Canton within the City of Canton, and
has the following characteristics: approximately 300 (4%) of them are
• Most of the City’s population falls into located within the #CantonForward
study area.
the “Baby Boomer” and the “Millennial”
generations (over 50% of households)
• Much higher Hispanic and White
populations than the Region average
• Slightly more families with children
than the Region
The City of Canton’s population is
• Adequate retail service within a 3-mile
made up of 38% of households with
radius of the #CantonForward study
children under 18, comparable to
area for chain and big box stores the Atlanta Region’s percentage of
• Lower educational attainment levels 34%.
for people over the age of 25 than
the Region, but quality primary and
secondary schools
26 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOPResidents within 5 miles of the
#CantonForward study boundary
commute throughout the Atlanta
Region. Approximately 34% of
these people commute to North
Fulton, Marietta, Woodstock, and
Kennesaw. More than 20% of the
residents commute even farther
to Atlanta business districts.
The study area has adequate Overall, the schools
access to retail establishments, in Canton serve their
particularly within a 3-mile radius. populations well. The
Big box retailers are located Study area has 24% of
close to the study area limits, and residents over 25 with
grocery stores expand farther, a bachelor degree,
closer to the 3-mile boundary. lower than the Atlanta
Some mom and pop / local 28-county Region at
stores provide access and some 35% and the State at
of the retail buildings on the south 28%.
side sit primarily vacant.
Downtown Canton received a “Walk Score”
of 51, which is higher than the rest of the
City and many suburban areas. This is due
to the access to different types of retail and
uses.
#CANTONFORWARD 27WHAT COULD CANTON NO T E:
• Demand could grow as Downtown
LOOK LIKE TOMORROW? Canton becomes more of a regional
draw, and “steals” demand from other
RE TAIL & RE SIDEN T I A L places because of the addition of
unique retail uses.
The infographics on these pages show
• These numbers show what the market
how Canton and the #CantonForward
supports and does not consider the
study area can grow in the future. Canton
possibility of pioneering individuals
is well-served by retail and grocery
and go-getters.
stores; however, most of the stores are
• The housing demand numbers do not
outside of Downtown. Downtown primarily
indicate that someone will build that
includes local businesses and restaurants, The colors of the “40,000 SQ FT” show the
number in a given year, but it is the
percentage breakdown for the types of
a strength for creating a distinct identity.
businesses in demand in the study area. average over time.
Both the City and study area have market
demand for additional housing units and
retail opportunities. Despite current retail Full-Service Restaurant
square footage at 2.2 million, more demand
RE TAIL T Y P E DE M A ND
exists; this demonstrates that Downtown
Canton could serve as a regional draw with
Canton has a market demand for an
local, unique businesses. The potential
additional 40,000 sq. ft. of retail space. This
development for the study area includes:
retail demand is made up of industries that
• For-sale attached townhomes,
can easily become local businesses. These
• For-sale detached homes,
are:
• Rental apartments with parking lots,
• Special Food Service (food trucks, food
• Independent / assisted living,
carts, establishments providing food
• For-sale attached condos with parking Food Truck
services at the customer’s location),
lots,
• Drinking establishments,
• Single-story commercial buildings,
• Full-service restaurants,
• Multi-story or mixed-use commercial
• A florist,
with parking lots
• Clothing / shoe stores.
28 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOPPOTENTIAL DEMAND FOR RETAIL & HOUSING
For-Sale Attached Townhomes
For-Sale Detached Homes
Apartments w/ Parking Lots
Mixed-Use
#CANTONFORWARD 2930 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOP
CHAPTER 2 // WHAT WE HEARD
// RiverFest, Share Your Care, Concert
// What do the People of Canton Want?
// What Are the Priorities?
#CANTONFORWARD 31OUTREACH // EVENTS
The most frequently chosen
improvements for Canton’s
Future during the Ball / Basket
SH A RE YOUR CA RE activity were festivals / events
The TSW team visited the City of Canton at and places to walk or bike.
Fincher-Adkins Park on September 9, 2015,
for the “Share Your Care” event. The team
provided background information on the
#CantonForward project and encouraged
citizens to participate in the forthcoming
Below: The Booth at the Rockin’
outreach and input opportunities.
the River concert event.
RIVERF E S T
The TSW team set up a booth during
RiverFest on September 27th, 2015, to
gain the first round of input for the project.
The booth included paper surveys, and
an interactive activity to determine what
people want to see in Canton in the future.
Visitors could toss a ball into a basket with
labels for different options and provide
other feedback if their ideas were not
represented.
ROCK IN’ T HE RIVER
The TSW team set up a booth during the
concert and festival to gain similar input
as received during RiverFest. The booth
included paper surveys and the same
interactive activities. Between both events,
354 balls were tossed into the baskets
(visitors could toss more than one).
32 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOPOUTREACH // SURVEYS
#CantonForward outreach efforts included
an online survey, which received 239
responses. The survey questions were
written to gain an understanding of how
CANTON TODAY
people use Downtown Canton and the
River Mill District now, and what would
enhance their experience or bring them
back to the area. Most questions were
in multiple choice format, but allowed
open-ended responses if a respondent
had other ideas. Most survey respondents
live in the City of Canton city limits (71% of
those who provided an answer) and 37% of
respondents visit the study area more than
5 times per month.
CANTON TOMORROW
The first two questions of the online survey asked “What’s one word to describe Canton
today?” and “What’s one word to describe Canton tomorrow?” The above graphics
illustrate the words that people wrote more than once. The size of the words represents
how frequent that word was written relative to the others. Although many of the initial
words have a negative connotation, the most commonly noted words were “Historic”
and “Potential,” showing an optimistic outlook for Canton’s Future. The second question
uncovered respondents’ increased optimism for Downtown and the River Mill District.
#CANTONFORWARD 33O T HER P OIN T S T O NO T E The top 3 choices for
reasons that people visit
The last survey question asked for final
Downtown and the River Mill
thoughts to be included in the planning District were the restaurants,
process. The most frequently noted “other festivals and events, and
thoughts” were: shopping.
• Add Restaurants
• Add Shopping / Retail
• Make the study area similar to
The top choices for reasons
Woodstock, Georgia
people would come back
• Keep Canton Family-Friendly to Downtown and the River
• Allow River Access Mill District would be to add
• Add Walking & Biking Trails more restaurants, host more
• Maintain the “Old Town Feeling” with festivals and events, create
more nightlife, and add
Modern Considerations
walking and biking options.
• Add In-town Housing
The key points to note are that:
• Residents realize the potential for the
study area
• Restaurants, shopping, bars /
breweries are and will continue to be a
major draw to the area
• Events are popular, and people would
attend more
• Walking and biking trails are desired
throughout town
• Residents recognize the importance of Respondents said that to revitalize the River Mill District, the
City should focus on attracting restaurants (both fine and
the Etowah River and want to access it
casual dining), bars and breweries, hosting more festivals
• In-town housing is desired
and events, and maintaining the existing infrastructure. Other
• Parking, sidewalk maintenance, and options that scored close percentages include attracting the
more sidewalks are important arts, adding parks, and offering housing options at various
income levels.
34 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOPT R A NSP OR TAT ION
IS S UE S
IMP ROVE MEN T S
Many people said that parking was the biggest Many respondents said that to improve walking and biking in the study
transportation issue in the study area, while others noted area, trails throughout town and along the Etowah River would be the
walkability and bike-ability as issues. Respondents could best enhancement. Others noted a need for more and wider sidewalks
write more than one. or that additional parking is necessary. Respondents could write more
than one issue.
HOUSING
The survey asked if respondents would
choose to live in the Downtown and River
Mill District; 38% said they would if the
option was available.
Respondents stated preferences for
single-family homes, townhomes, and
condominiums as the preferred unit types
to live in (they could choose more than one
type). If they owned the unit, most would
be willing to spend between $100,000 and
$250,00 in the study area. If renting, most
would be willing to spend $500 to $800 per
month for a one-bedroom unit (they could
choose one option only).
#CANTONFORWARD 35OUTREACH // MEETINGS
COMMUNI T Y WORKSHOP
Nearly 120 people attended the
#CantonForward Community Workshop
at Canton City Hall on January 14, 2016.
The workshop began with a presentation
about key factors influencing the future
of Canton, as well as the results of initial
public outreach.
Participants then broke into focus tables
to brainstorm ideas for the future of
Downtown Canton, the River Mill District,
and topics related to the larger area, such
as walking and bicycling, housing, and
redevelopment. Sample photos from other
communities provided inspiration. Ideas
from 4th and 5th grade students at Hasty
Elementary were also on display, showing
their ideas for the future of Canton.
Feedback from the Community Workshop Top: an initial presentation covered existing
was used to create the draft plans for the factors contributing to the future of Canton.
future of Downtown Canton and the River
Top, right: Focus tables used maps and
Mill District.
images to brainstorm ideas for the future.
Bottom, left: Participants wrote their key
ideas to share with the group.
Bottom, right: Local 4th and 5th grade
students also contributed their ideas.
36 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOP#CANTONFORWARD 37
OUTREACH // MEETINGS
OP EN HOUSE
On March 22, 2016, more than 90 people
stopped in for an informal Draft Plan Open
House at Cup Up coffee shop on Main
Street in Downtown Canton.
The draft #CantonForward section of this
document was on display on a series of
boards around the room, and citizens were
given sticky notes to leave comments on
each board. Many positive comments were
received, as well as other suggestions that
were incorporated into the plan.
The planning team was present to answer
questions and record comments from the
public. There was also a comment box
and a screen that allowed participants to
create a word cloud using text messages
about how they would describe the future
of Canton.
38 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOPParticipants at the open house
used sticky notes to comment
on draft plans. Planning team
members were present to answer
questions and record ideas.
#CANTONFORWARD 3940 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOP
CHAPTER 3 // CANTON FORWARD
// Framework Plan
// Concept Plan & Recommendations
// River Mill District Plan
// Downtown District Plan
#CANTONFORWARD 41#CANTONFORWARD
FRAMEWORK PLAN
The framework plan is intended to be
a general guide for the character of
redevelopment. Photos show possible
alternatives for what may be appropriate in
each category.
MIXED USE/BOUTIQUE MANUFACTURING MIXED USE/BOUTIQUE MANUFACTURING
MI X ED USE /B OU T IQUE image courtesy visit Columbus GA image courtesy Jeffrey Pott
M A NUFAC T URING
• A mix of small scale artisanal
manufacturing, art studios, maker
spaces, offices, urban residences,
restaurants, bars or a microbrewery,
and shops.
DOWN T OWN MI X ED USE
• A walkable mix of restaurants, shops,
offices, civic buildings, and urban
residences, in historic commercial
buildings, historic homes, or new
DOWNTOWN MIXED USE DOWNTOWN MIXED USE
buildings. image courtesy Shelby County tourism
INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL
INDUS T RI A L
• Conventional light industrial
businesses as allowed by existing
city codes.
COMMERCI A L
• Shops and restaurants in an attractive
but suburban form.
42 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOP
image courtesy Coast Guard NewsFRAMEWORK PLAN
RIVER CONN
ECTION
0 ft 450 ft 900 ft 1,800 ft
#CANTONFORWARD 43#CANTONFORWARD
FRAMEWORK PLAN
MULT IFA MILY RE SIDEN T I A L
• Apartments, condominiums, senior
housing, fourplexes, and other similar
residences compatible with a small
town feel.
MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL
SINGL E-FA MILY RE SIDEN T I A L
• Historic homes as well as new
detached houses, townhouses, and
cottages.
OP EN SPACE /AGRICULT URE
• Parks, cemeteries, and farmland.
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
OPEN SPACE/AGRICULTURE OPEN SPACE/AGRICULTURE
44 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOP
image courtesy petrOllyFRAMEWORK PLAN
RIVER CONN
ECTION
0 ft 450 ft 900 ft 1,800 ft
#CANTONFORWARD 45RIVER MILL DISTRICT &
DOWNTOWN CONCEPT
PLAN
The concept plan to the right is a more
detailed plan for the area outlined with
a dotted line in the Framework Plan.
This plan represents one possibility for
redevelopment and is for illustrative
purposes only. This plan assumes that
any future development will occur when
willing developers cooperate with the
City of Canton. It is also assumed that
development would occur in phases. More
detailed descriptions of these plans are
shown below.
Input from the Community Workshop
was used to draft this concept plan. The
photo to the right shows some of the
feedback from workshop participants.
Top: This image shows one group’s ideas for
In addition to the entertainment, live/ the Downtown and River Mill District concept
work spaces, boutique hotels, and fitness plan from the Community Workshop.
center recommendations, Canton residents
desired more downtown housing options,
improved pedestrian safety, and access to
the Etowah River.
46 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOPCONCEPT PLAN
LEGEND
Mixed Use (Existing Building)
Park w/ River
Access and W
al Multifamily Housing
es
Paths ka
St
re Townhouses
et
RIVER CONN Single-Family Housing
ECTION
Promenade
E . Main Street
treet
S UMM A RY
ack s
Railroad S
Renovated 90,000 sq. ft.
CSX Tr
Canton Mill Mixed Use
Buildings
Mill Annex 52,000 sq. ft.
Commercial Space
Makerspace 25,000 sq. ft.
Plaza Commercial Space
Hill Street C New Housing 156 multifamily
ircle
Renovated residential units
eet
Canton Mill #1
84 townhouses
tr
Entrance my S 62 detached houses
Plaza Hi
ll S
e
tre Makerspace is a collaborative
Acad
et
Mill Annex space for entrepreneurs and
inventors to brainstorm and
Makerspace create. It could include offices,
3D printers, specialized tools
or equipment, and gathering
spaces.
#CANTONFORWARD 47PROPOSED CONNECTIONS
Improving connectivity and transportation
will make downtown Canton more
accessible for everyone, especially as a
place to walk, bike, and ride the bus. The
improvements described below are shown
on the map on the following page.
S T REE T & SIDE WA L K
IMP ROVE MEN T S
• Convert Main street and North Street
BICYCL ING
• Install bicycle racks throughout
from one-way to two-way, including
Downtown
intersection improvements
• Conduct a bicycle marketing campaign
• Construct a pedestrian/bicycle
• Construct a bicycle loop from the
bridge over the Etowah River and a
Etowah River through Downtown, to
connecting promenade along West
consist of a mix of bike route signage,
Main Street to connect Downtown to
sharrows, and bicycle lanes, as
the River
appropriate
• Convert Riverdale Circle to one-way
• Add new sidewalks, parallel parking, image courtesy Rob and Stephanie Levy
and trees along Hill Street, Hill Street
P UBL IC T R A NSP OR TAT ION
Top left: Studies show that two-way streets
• Continue to promote a long-term are good for businesses because they
Circle, and Academy Street
commuter rail connection to Canton, make navigating downtowns easier.
• Add new sidewalks, parallel parking,
as well as the compact development
and trees along Riverdale Circle and
necessary to support it Top right: Sidewalk improvements will
Middle Street
• Continue to support and promote make it easier to walk around downtown
• Add new sidewalks along West and to the Etowah River.
existing CATS bus service
Marietta Street between Pettit Street
and West Marietta Connection Middle right: The proposed greenway loop
would connect downtown with the Etowah
River and existing riverfront parks.
48 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOPCONNECTIONS
0 ft 450 ft 900 ft 1,800 ft
#CANTONFORWARD 49PUBLIC SPACES
& THE ARTS
Canton already has a great foundation in
the arts, but should continue to leverage
this to improve parks and public spaces,
enhance Downtown and the River Mill
District, attract visitors, and strengthen the
economy.
T HE A R T S
• Create a public art program to
encourage the installation of
temporary or permanent public art,
including pieces that focus on Canton’s
industrial history
• Continue to host and promote events
as economic development drivers
and to increase awareness of all that
P UBL IC SPACE , CON T INUED
Canton has to offer and to attract
• Add or enhance family-friendly public
diverse audiences
spaces near the Square (splash pad,
playground, or “safety town”) Above: Participants at the Community
P UBL IC SPACE • Construct an information kiosk on the Workshop share their “big ideas” for
• Create a new riverfront park, including
Square Canton’s future, including these great
a splash pad and kayak/canoe ideas for public spaces.
• Stabilize streambanks with native
launch, to create a gateway between
plantings along Canton Creek
Downtown and the Etowah River Above, right: The conversion of historic
• Make Canton a dog friendly city and Canton Mill #1 to apartments is an
excellent example of preserving history
establish a dog park in the Downtown
while allowing for redevelopment.
area
50 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOPA P P ROP RI AT E DE VELOPMEN T
• Encourage the redevelopment of
underutilized properties
• Promote compact infill development to
serve the community and increase the
residential population
• Promote a variety of housing types
to accommodate people of all ages,
abilities, and lifestyles, including the
provision of a Class A rental community
• Encourage new for-sale housing
HISTORY & APPROPRIATE HIS T ORY
under $300,000 with small lot homes,
GROWTH PATTERNS • Ensure appropriate transitions
maintenance-free homes, and
townhomes
between single-family areas and new
• Revitalize the Canton Village Shopping
Canton’s historic development patterns development
Center and Sandy Hook Shopping
and architecture should be considered as • Ensure that the character of new
Center with facade improvements, new
future growth occurs. A town’s history is a buildings is compatible with Canton’s
tenants, and landscaping
unique asset that can never be duplicated historic buildings
or rebuilt once lost. Celebrating and • Adopt the 2015 Historic District Design
preserving Canton’s history will also foster Guidelines
economic growth. • Protect historic buildings and
encourage their rehabilitation where
feasible
• Install historic markers at historic
buildings and sites
#CANTONFORWARD 51ECONOMIC GROWTH
Brand Canton as a destination
and attract businesses with
an online component, such as
A successful plan will lead to stronger breweries and used bookstores
businesses, new investment, and job (middle, top), or destination
businesses, like hair stylists,
creation. Canton should focus on growing
doctors, and lawyers (middle,
its existing businesses, leveraging its assets
bottom.)
as a County seat, and attracting employers.
DOWN T OWN & F UNDING
• Brand Downtown as more of a
destination, with a focus on businesses
with established clientele, those
unique enough to draw from a larger Engage all
area, and those that also have an online citizens,
presence especially
the Hispanic
• Implement gateway improvements and
population
creative signage at key approaches to
Add creative signage at key approaches to
Downtown, especially from Riverstone Downtown
Parkway and I-575
• Designate a City staff position to
outreach and engage with the Hispanic
Community
T HE M A RK E T
• Explore additional funding options and The infographics above describe the
• Grow the economy and add new high
development incentives for desirable types of businesses and techniques
wage jobs from diverse businesses, for economic growth that will help
projects, including the creation of a
including attracting new mid- to large strengthen Downtown Canton as a
Tax Allocation District or Community
size employers destination.
Improvement District
• Capitalize on larger market shifts
occurring in the Atlanta region as a
whole (desire for walkable places,
generational shifts, park access,
experiential retail, etc.)
52 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOPLOCAL BUSINESSES
There is an existing demand for new
businesses and restaurants in Downtown
Canton and the River Mill District. The
potential new businesses listed below
could help create a critical mass to support
existing businesses, attract visitors, and
grow the local economy.
Image courtesy Billy Wilson
• Attract an anchor (small grocer, fitness
center, entertainment venue, or
additional civic / arts theater)
• Attract more chef-driven, local, unique
fine dining options
• Attract more family-friendly dining and
fast-casual options
• Attract a bed & breakfast or boutique
hotel
Image courtesy Massachusetts
Office of Travel & Tourism
Community input supported the need for
more local businesses, dining options, and
“CA N T ON NEEDS NE W BUSINE S S
Top left: Fine dining or casual dining arts & entertainment venues.
options could help strengthen
DOWN T OWN T H AT BRINGS
downtown. P EOP L E IN T O T HE DOWN T OWN
CORRIDOR A ND E VEN T S A ND
Lower left: A fitness studio or other AC T IVI T IE S T H AT ENCOUR AGE
retail anchor could draw more people FA MIL IE S T O S TAY A ND P L AY.”
downtown and support existing
// S URV E Y PA R T ICIPA N T
businesses.
Right: A bed & breakfast or boutique
hotel could serve visitors.
#CANTONFORWARD 53RIVER MILL DISTRICT
The Etowah River and historic mill buildings
make the River Mill district one of Canton’s
most important assets. Incremental
renovations can allow existing tenants to
stay, while creating a vibrant district that
will become a regional destination.
image courtesy vlasta2
• Leverage the unique architectural
character for commercial reuse
(non-profit, art, event space, light
manufacturing / maker space, and
flex office, etc.), including a restaurant
district along Railroad Street
• Demolish the historic mill housing
and redevelop it with a mix of housing
types
• Amend Canton’s Unified Development
Code to create an overlay district
allowing a mix of uses along the image courtesy American Tobacco
Etowah River, but allowing all existing The images above show potential
industrial uses to be grandfathered
“ T HIS IS CA N T ON’ S HIS T ORIC revitalization of the River Mill District,
and allowing future new appropriate
HE A R T. K EEP OUR HERI TAGE including a new riverfront park, public
industrial uses
IN P L ACE BU T ENCOUR AGE art that reflects local history, and new
• Establish steep slope development
NE W USE S T O K EEP T HE A RE A restaurants and public plazas.
guidelines
T HE VI TA L CEN T ER OF T HE
COMMUNI T Y.” // S URV E Y
PA R T ICIPA N T
54 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOPRIVER MILL DISTRICT
Park w/ River
Access and
CONCEPT
Paths W
al
es
ka LEGEND
St
re
et Mixed Use (Existing Building)
RIVER CONN
ECTION
treet
Multifamily Housing
Promenade
E . Main Street
ack s
Townhouses
Railroad S
CSX Tr
Single-Family Housing
DOWNTOWN
DISTRICT
Plaza
Hill Street C
ircle
Renovated
Canton Mill #1
eet
Entrance Hi
ll S
tre
tr
Plaza et
my S
e
Mill Annex Acad
Makerspace
#CANTONFORWARD 55DOWNTOWN AREA
Canton can build on its already successful
downtown to create a more vibrant
area with public improvements, private
investment, and new residences and
businesses.
• Renovate the historic Canton
Elementary School and redevelop its
immediate surroundings as shown on
the conceptual plan
• Create aesthetic improvements for the
back of the retail along North Street;
designate a dumpster pad elsewhere
in downtown to relocate some of the
existing trash bins
• Work with private and public sector
partners to reuse the historic Jones
Building as a significant economic
anchor
• Amend Canton’s Unified Development
Code to create an overlay district Above: The historic Jones Building, which
prohibiting offices on the sidewalk could become a large economic driver for
Downtown if rehabilitated and filled with
level of key retail streets Downtown,
retail establishments.
but allowing existing offices to be
grandfathered Left: A branded and effective wayfinding
• Expand parking enforcement and system could direct visitors to businesses
increase fines, as recommended in the and parking.
2014 Parking Analysis
• Improve wayfinding signage, especially
for public parking
56 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOP
image courtesy the.urbanophileDOWNTOWN CONCEPT
)
-way
O ne
t e
Stre
cle (
LEGEND
d le
e Ci r
Mixed Use (Existing Building)
Mid
rd al
Multifamily Housing
Rive
W Townhouses
Park al
es
ka North Street Single-Family Housing
St (Two-Way)
re
et
RIVER CONN
ECTION
ks
E . Main Street
ac
treet
(Two-Way)
CSX Tr
Railroad S
Former
Mill Offices
Former
Canton
Elementary
Plaza School
Hill Street C
ircle
RIVER MILL
eet
Hi
ll S
DISTRICT tre
tr
et
my S
e
Acad
#CANTONFORWARD 5758 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOP
CHAPTER 4 // FROM VISION
TO REALITY
// Overview & Timeline
// LCI Consistency
// Action Matrix & Priority Projects
#CANTONFORWARD 59OVERVIEW WHO WIL L PAY F OR A number of grants and other public
E VERY T HING? funding sources will ensure that the burden
for implementation does not fall entirely on
HOW WIL L T HIS P L A N BE In order for the vision of #CantonForward
local taxpayers.
IMP L E MEN T ED? to become reality, public and private
The ambitious vision for the future of partners must work together. The City of
Funding for some transportation
Downtown Canton and the River Mill Canton will be involved in most aspects
improvements may be available through
District that is outlined in the plan will of implementation, but will need to work
competitive grants from the Livable
require the long-term cooperation of the with Cherokee County, the Atlanta Regional
Centers Initiative, with a local government
public and private sectors to come to Commission, local non-profit organizations
contribution of 20% of the cost.
fruition. The Action Matrix on the following and businesses, and local developers.
pages lists every project described in
A number of grants and other public
this plan, along with responsible parties, The Action Matrix on the following pages
funding sources will ensure that the burden
potential funding sources, and a general provides a rough cost estimate and
for implementation does not fall entirely on
implementation timeline. Some guiding potential funding sources for each project.
local taxpayers.
policies in the plan above do not appear in
the Action Matrix because they are more
general in nature.
WHEN WIL L E VERY T HING
H A P P EN?
Some projects, such as amendments to
the Unified Development Code, can be
implemented immediately. Other efforts
are more long term. The Action Matrix
gives an approximate start date for each
project. Given the longer timeline for parts
of the plan, it is important that citizens
continue to be involved and that the City
of Canton regularly review and update the
plan as necessary.
60 #CANTONFORWARD // ETOWAH TO THE LOOPFunding for some transportation 2016 Adopt 2015 Historic District Guidelines
improvements may be available through
competitive grants from the Livable 2016 Designate City staff for Hispanic outreach
Centers Initiative, with a local government
2016 River Mill reuse
contribution of 20% of the cost.
2016-2026 Demolish historic mill housing
T IMEL INE
The timeline to the right and on the 2016 Amend UDC to allow mixed uses in River Mill District
following page provides an estimate for
2016 Canton Elementary School area redevelopment
which projects can be expected to be
implemented in each year.
2016 Prohibit offices on key retail streets
2016 Expand parking enforcement & increase fines
ongoing Event hosting & promotion
2017 Hill Street, Hill Street Circle, & Academy Street
sidewalk & streetscape improvements
2017 Historic markers
2017 Shopping center improvements
2017 Downtown branding
Photo: Implementation will require
both public and private investment and
2017 Establish steep slope development guidelines
cooperation.
2017 Jones Building reuse
2018 Bicycle Racks
2018 Bicycle marketing campaign
#CANTONFORWARD 61You can also read
