---
date: 2023-10-30
title: Work Session Meeting Agenda Packet
source: 2023-10/2023-10-30_Work Session Meeting_Agenda Packet.pdf
pages: 1
---

STOCKBRIDGE Work Session Meeting
CITY COUNCIL Agenda
Mayor – At Large October 30, 2023 6:00 PM
Anthony Ford

Mayor Pro Tem Yolanda Barber
Council District 4

Councilman Elton Alexander
Council District 5

Councilman John Blount
Council District 3

Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt
Council District 1

Councilman Alphonso Thomas
Council District 2

Stockbridge City Hall
CITY MANAGER
4640 N. Henry Blvd.
Frederick Gardiner
CITY CLERK
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Vanessa Holiday Website: www.stockbridgega.org
CITY TREASURER Phone: 770-389-7900
Vacant
Fax: 770-389-7912
CITY ATTORNEY
Quinton G. Washington Translation and Interpretation Services are available with
(7) days prior notice. Please contact the City’s HR
Samantha Embry
Manager at 770-389-7908 for assistance.
AGENDA
WORK SESSION MEETING
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023 6:00 PM

CALL TO ORDER

INVOCATION

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

REVIEW OF THE MINUTES
1 Review of the September 11, 2023 Council Meeting Draft Minutes
2 Review of the September 26, 2023 Work Session Draft Minutes

PUBLIC COMMENTS - All persons wishing to speak for public comment must
sign in with the City Clerk prior to the beginning of the meeting. You must sign
your name, address, and phone number. You will be able to address the Mayor
and Council for three (3) minutes. Speakers must respect all members of the
elected body, officials, and staff. Defamation, unruliness and/or swearing will not
be tolerated while meetings are in session.

CONSENT AGENDA
3 Resolution in support of the award of the DD RLF Application by the Downtown
Development Authority of Stockbridge for the downtown project located at 132
MLK Senior Heritage Trail, Stockbridge, GA 30281 on behalf of the NOLA
Bistro and Daiquiri Bar LLC.

NEW BUSINESS
4 Council consideration to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA)
between the City of Stockbridge and the Citywide Development Authority.

- Presented by: Kim Allonce, Quinton Washington
Page | 3

5 Council consideration to approve submission of a grant application for the
Recreational Trail Program for restroom facilities at the west end of Reeves
Creek Trail off Flippen Road. The City of Stockbridge will submit a grant
application for the Recreation Trail Program with an estimated total project cost
of $450,000. The grant will require a minimum 20% ($90,000.00) match. The
City will commit to a 50% ($225,000.00) match using SPLOST V funds which
will be reimbursed by the grant. The grant application states that if a City
commits to more than a 20% required match, the applicant will receive
additional scoring points. So the City will commit to a 50% match. - Presented
by: Jeremy Goodwin
6 Council consideration to approve request from Brentwood Parks HOA Board
that the 51% approval of all homeowners to install speed humps be waived and
speed humps installed at locations along Brentwood Pkwy and a designated
lined crosswalk installed in the amenities area to enable pedestrians to safely
cross the road. Homeowners in each individual subdivision along Brentwood
Pkwy can still individually petition the city to install speed bumps with 51%
homeowner approval per the City of Stockbridge regulations. - Presented by:
Decius Aaron
7 Council consideration to approve request from The Winding Creek Subdivision
HOA for the City to assume the responsibility of paying the monthly street light
bill for the subdivision's street lights effective January 1, 2024. The cost is
$1,476.97 per month, $17,723.64 annually. - Presented by: Decius Aaron
8 Council consideration to authorize the Mayor to sign the Transmittal for the
update of 2028 City of Stockbridge Comprehensive Plan and submit to the
Atlanta Regional Commission and the Georgia Department of Community
Affairs for review. - Presented by: Ryan Anderson
9 Council consideration to adopt Sanitation Collection Senior Discount Program
for qualified senior citizens. Qualifying seniors will receive a 75% reduction in
the annual sanitation fees for their place of residence. To qualify, seniors must:
(1) Be age 70 or older; (2) Be the owner and a resident of a single-family
dwelling where the discount is requested; (3) The annual household income for
the applicant’s residence from all sources does not
exceed $57,200.00. Income must be confirmed by the most recent tax return;
and (4) submit income documentation to the City on or before May 15th.
- Presented by: Decius Aaron

ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
UPCOMING MEETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Council meetings will be held
in the City Council Chamber. Meeting dates, locations and times are subject
to change or contact City Hall offices at 770-389-7900 for updates.

• Stockbridge Citizens-Police Advisory Council meeting 1st Thursday of
each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Stockbridge Police Community Room
4545 N. Henry Blvd. (Nov 2)
• Main Street Advisory Board Meeting, 2nd Friday of each month –
Welcome Center located at 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail at 9am (Nov
10)
October 30, 2023 6:00 PM 4640 N. Henry Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
Page | 4

• City Council Meeting, 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. - City Hall
Council Chamber (Nov 13)
• Youth Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m. - 2nd Monday each month - City Hall
Levi Meeting Romm (Nov 13)
• Citywide Development Authority Meeting, 2nd Tuesday of each month
at 6:00 p.m. - City Hall Levi Meeting Room (Nov 14)
• Downtown Development Authority Meeting, 3rd Tuesday of each month
Welcome Center 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail (Nov 21)
• City Council Work Session Meeting, last Tuesday of each month at 6:00
p.m. – City Hall Council (Nov 21) NOTE DATE CHANGE DUE TO
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
• Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m. -3rd Tuesday of
each month Levi Meeting Room - City Hall (Nov 21)
• Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m. - City Hall Council Chamber
4th Thursday of each month– (TBA)

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS/INITIATIVES

o Join Mayor Ford in partnership with S.H.E. 4 Women Veterans Inc. for
the S.H.E. Factor Women Veterans Expo & Summit, Saturday,
November 4th from 11am - 4 pm at the Merle Manders Conference Center
o Calling all Veterans! Join the City of Stockbridge for the Annual
Veterans Day Luncheon on Friday, November 10th from 11am – 1pm at
the Merle Manders Conference Center as we honor those who have
served and continue to serve this great nation. Please RSVP to:
events@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov by Nov. 4
o Join Councilman Blount for Bingo Bash, Wednesday, November 15th
from 10am – noon at the Merle Manders Conference Center located at
111 Davis Rd.
o Join Mayor Ford for the monthly Meet the Mayor on Monday, November
27th from 10am – noon. Please contact Rosalynd Rawls to schedule an
appointment at 678-833-3348 or via email at rrawls@cityofstockbridge-
ga.gov
o Join Councilman Thomas for the Don’t Trash Stockbridge initiative
centered around education highlighting the causes and effects of
Littering and Illegal Dumping. More information to follow.
o Councilman Thomas is honoring Veterans with a Continuous Salute all
year long. Please send your pictures of Veterans with their name,
branch, rank, and years of service to rrawls@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov

Early voting is underway at the Merle Manders Conference Center located at
111 Davis Rd. Stockbridge, GA from 7am - 7pm through November 3rd.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 7th. Please be reminded that election day
voting only takes place at your neighborhood polling precinct. Please check
your election day voting location at MVP.SOS.GA.GOV

October 30, 2023 6:00 PM 4640 N. Henry Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
Page | 5

MAYOR'S COMMENTS (Mayor Anthony Ford)

EXECUTIVE SESSION (Exemptions to the Georgia Open Meetings Acts)

ADJOURNMENT

October 30, 2023 6:00 PM 4640 N. Henry Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 6:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council
Mayor Anthony S. Ford At-Large
Mayor Pro Tem Yolanda Barber – Council District 4
Councilman Elton Alexander – Council District 5
Councilman John Blount – Council District 3
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt – Council District 1
Councilman Alphonso Thomas – Council District 2
Administration
Frederick Gardiner – City Manager
Vanessa Holiday – City Clerk
John Wiggins – City Treasurer
Quinton Washington – City Attorney
Mission: To provide visionary leadership and superior municipal services that enhance the
quality of life for citizens while creating a welcoming business atmosphere focused on
sustainability and expansion of tourism and cultural events.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ford at 6:07 p.m.
Invocation by Mrs. Neeley

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday was asked to proceed with a verbal roll call. All Members
were present except Councilwoman Gantt.

Motion to amend the Agenda to remove Public Hearing Items Regarding the Valley Hill
Rd. Development Item # 12, Item #13 and #14 from the Agenda and defer to the
November 13, 2023, meeting at the Developer’s Request made by Councilman
Alexander; seconded by Councilman Blount. The motion passed 4-0.
Motion to amend the Agenda to request use of the Merle Manders Conference Center
Lower Level on Monday, October 2nd, for a Council Initiative - 'Breast Friends'-Breast
Health Awareness Event and Monday, October 9th, for a Council Initiative - My 'Breast
Friends' Mammogram Screening Event in partnership with Women's Imaging
Specialists made by Councilwoman Barber; seconded by Councilman Blount. The
motion passed unanimously 4-0.

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Motion to approve the Agenda made by Councilman Blount; seconded by Councilman
Alexander. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.
Motion to approve the Minutes for the following meetings made by Councilman
Alexander; seconded by Councilman Blount. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.
1. July 10, 2023 Council Meeting Minutes
2. July 18, 2023 at 9:00am Millage Rate Public Hearing Minutes
3. July 18, 2023 at 6:00pm Millage Rate Public Hearing Minutes
4. July 25, 2023 Work Session Minutes
5. July 27, 2023 Millage Rate Public Hearing Minutes

PUBLIC COMMENTS
All persons wishing to speak for public comment must sign in with the City Clerk prior to
the beginning of the meeting noting your name, address, and phone number. You will be
allotted three (3) minutes. Speakers must respect all members of the elected body,
officials, and staff. Defamation, unruliness and/or swearing will not be tolerated.
There were no public comments.

CEREMONIAL REVIEW
6. Mayor Ford reviewed the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, the Swearing In
of (8) eight new Youth Council Members, the Constitution Week
Proclamation, presented the Workforce Development Month and UpSkill
Stockbridge proclamation to Dr. Clark of Southern Crescent Technical
College, presented the Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation to the
owners of Rico’s Mexican Restaurant, presented a proclamation in
Recognition of City Poet Laureate, Steaven Misher and reviewed the
swearing in of Citizen-Police Advisory Council Members and Elected
Officers.

PRESENTATION
7. Presentation on a public safety camera initiative for high-crime areas and
new developments, ordinance best practices, and insights from similar
cities.
Presented by: Chief Trammer
Chief Trammer gave an overview presentation regarding surveillance
cameras throughout the city.

Councilwoman Gantt joined the meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Councilman Blount, Councilwoman Gantt, and Mayor Ford inquired about
businesses who already have cameras, the timeline to come into
compliance, FLOCK cameras and the associated costs for business
owners and residents, especially those neighborhoods without a
Homeowners Association and if the cameras would be required for new
developments.

Councilman Alexander noted his support all new developments having
cameras, and existing neighborhoods should add the cameras.

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Chief Trammer noted his department would continue to research and
explore and was tasked with preparing Ordinances addressing the
inquiries and concerns and return the information to the City Council for
consideration.

UNIFINISHED BUSINESS
8. Council consideration to approve an Ordinance for the hiring or
appointment of the Deputy City Clerk. Option 1 - Hired by the City Clerk.
Option 2 - Appointed by the City Council.
Presented by: Vanessa Holiday and Quinton Washington
Ms. Holiday referenced information that had previously been submitted to
the Mayor and members of Council where the 500+ cities throughout the
State of Georgia had been polled and the responses received all noted the
Deputy City Clerk is hired by the City Clerk; noted Georgia Municipal
Association officials stated the appointment by Council is not best
practice; and noted every Department in the city has the authority to hire
staff, including those staff members who are appointed by the City
Council, except for the City Clerk.

Councilman Blount called for a Point of Order noting the item was
scheduled to be presented by Ms. Wheeler, the city’s HR Manager (who
was not present), and the City Attorney, and stated the matter should be
heard in Executive Session.

Councilwoman Gantt referenced the City of College Park’s Ordinance
whereas the Council may appoint the Deputy Clerk should the Clerk
become ill or have an extended absence, and noting the appointment of
the Deputy City Clerk for the City of Stockbridge goes back to the 1930’s.

Councilman Thomas referenced several cities who had responded to the
polling where it was noted that City Clerk hires their staff in the department
and noted every department in the City of Stockbridge has full authority to
hire their team, and asked why this department was different.

Attorney Washington noted his research has shown that there is nothing in
the Charter, nor is there an Ordinance or a Resolution stating how the
Deputy City Clerk position is selected, however, the action would be at the
City Council’s discretion.

Councilman Alexander noted he also wanted the item to be discussed in
Executive Session.

Attorney Washington noted that because there was no specific employee
being discussed, the matter does not meet Executive Session rules.

Mayor Ford offered his opinion that the City Clerk should be able to hire
staff in the Clerk’s Office department.

3|Page
Motion to approve Ordinance Option 1 authorizing the City Clerk to hire
the Deputy City Clerk made by Councilman Thomas; seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Barber. The motion failed 2-3 (Alexander, Gantt and Blount
Opposed).

Motion to revisit the item following Executive Session made by
Councilman Alexander; seconded by Councilwoman Gantt. Councilman
Alexander withdrew the motion.

Motion to approve Ordinance Option 2 authorizing the City Council to
appoint the Deputy City Clerk made by Councilman Blount; seconded by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion failed 2-3 (Alexander, Barber and
Thomas Opposed).
Motion to reconsider made by Councilman Alexander for Option 2 for the
City Council to appoint; seconded by Councilwoman Gantt.
There was no vote on the Motion to Reconsider.

Councilman Blount called for a point of order of the Clerk speaking; Mayor
Ford overrode the point of order to allow the Clerk to speak.

Councilman Alexander called for an override of the Mayor’s decision on
the point of order; seconded by Councilman Blount; the vote passed 3-2
(Alexander, Blount, Gantt in Favor) and (Barber and Thomas Opposed).

Motion to approve Option 2 Ordinance for the Council to appoint the City
Clerk made by Councilwoman Gantt; seconded by Councilman Blount.

Mayor Ford noted he would use his veto authority should the Ordinance
pass.

Attorney Washington noted the Mayor has authority to veto an Ordinance
and cannot veto a Resolution.

Councilwoman Gantt rescinded the motion.

Councilman Alexander reserved the right to discuss further, however, to
move the process forward, asked the Mayor to call for the vote.

Motion to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Council to appoint the
Deputy City Clerk made by Councilwoman Gantt; seconded by
Councilman Blount. The motion passed 3-2 (Alexander, Blount, and Gantt
in Favor) and (Barber and Thomas Opposed).

ITEM UNANIMOUSLY REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
9. Council Consideration to approve Yellowstone Landscape – Campground
Road and Hudson Bridge Median Enhancement payment in the amount of
$70,158.96.
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director

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Mr. Aaron noted the request is to approve the payment of the project.

Councilman Blount questioned how the project was completed without
funding in place, noting the process is flawed.

Councilman Thomas agreed, noting the work should not have been
completed without approval of the Council.

Councilman Alexander noted the project was approved, along with the
Hudson Bridge project, however, the funding source needed to be
identified, noting the request was to use Tourism dollars, and Mr. Aaron
and the city’s Treasurer needed to confirm that source.

Mr. Aaron noted he takes full responsibility as he did not bring the item
back to the Council after meeting with Mr. Wiggins.

Councilman Blount asked Mr. Wiggins to confirm the amount of funding
that could be used on other landscaping projects throughout the city,
noting improvements to be done along Eagles Landing Parkway.

Councilman Thomas noted the funding should be divided and shared with
each district.

Mayor Pro Tem Barber asked Mr. Gardiner to approve the process, noting
the city cannot continue to function this way.

Motion to Approve the payment to Yellowstone made by Councilman
Alexander; seconded by Councilman Blount. The motion passed
unanimously 5-0. Staff were tasked with reporting back to the Council with
the total of the 3% amount in the Hotel/Motel Tourism account and
determining what other projects can be completed citywide using this
funding source.

CONSENT AGENDA
10. Council consideration to approve the Surplus List of Items from
Information Technology and City Hall and place for advertisement on the
GovDeals platform for sale as prescribed.
11. Council Consideration to approve UpSkill Stockbridge Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) between the City of Stockbridge and Southern
Crescent Technical College for the 2023-2024 Academic Year.

Motion to approve the Consent Agenda made by Councilman Blount;
seconded by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

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PUBLIC HEARING
12. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT CASE #CP-2023-02 (Council
District 4) - Consideration of a request for a Comprehensive Plan
Amendment to assign the future land use designation of ‘High-Density
Residential’ to property at 55 Valley Hill Road to allow for the construction
of a townhome development. The applicant is D.R. Horton, Inc.,
represented by Tiffany Hogan. The property represents Parcel Number
S16-01006000 in Land Lot 69 of District 12, and it contains 24.96 +/- acres
within the Stockbridge City Limits. Staff Recommends Approval. Planning
Commission Recommended Denial.
ITEM DEFERRED BY THE DEVELOPER TO THE 11/13/2023 MEETING.

13. REZONING CASE #RZ-2023-03 (Council District 4) - Consideration of a
request for rezoning to assign the ‘MFR’ (Multiple Family Residential)
zoning district to property at 55 Valley Hill Road to allow for the
construction of a townhome development. The applicant/agent is D.R.
Horton, Inc. The property is located in Land Lot 69 of District 12, and it
contains 24.96 +/- acres within the Stockbridge City Limits. Staff
Recommends Approval. Planning Commission Recommended Denial.
ITEM DEFERRED BY THE DEVELOPER TO THE 11/13/2023 MEETING.

14. VARIANCE CASE #VR-2023-02 (Council District 4) - Consider a request
for a variance to allow for the construction of a townhome development.
The purpose of the variance is to allow the reduction in the front yard
setbacks from the required 50 feet to 25 feet in the MFR (Multiple Family
Residential) zoning district. The property is located in Land Lot 69 of
District 12, and it contains 24,96 +/- acres within the Stockbridge City
Limits. Staff Recommends Approval. Planning Commission
Recommended Denial.
ITEM DEFERRED BY THE DEVELOPER TO THE 11/13/2023 MEETING.

NEW BUSINESS
15. Council consideration to approve the renewal of the City of Stockbridge
On-Call Sidewalk Replacement and Repairs Contract with DAF Concrete,
Inc., in the amount of $300,000.00. FY2024 Budget.
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Motion to approve made by Councilman Blount; seconded by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

16. Council consideration to approve Change Order No.1 from Diversified
Construction of Georgia for the WWTP Pole Barn Project in the amount of
$181,041.03 for the removal and replacement of unsuitable soils. Funding
Source: SPLOST V.
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Motion to approve made by Councilman Blount; seconded by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

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17. Council consideration to fill a vacancy and appoint a member to the Youth
Council Advisory Committee through 12/31/2024.
Presented by: Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Ms. Holiday noted there is one vacancy and one applicant.
Motion to appoint Shawana Davis to the Stockbridge Youth Council
Advisory Board to serve an unexpired term through 12/31/2024 made by
Councilman Alexander; seconded by Councilman Blount. The motion
passed unanimously 5-0.

18. Council consideration approve use of the Merle Manders Conference
Council consideration to approve use of the Lower Level on Monday,
October 2nd, for a Council Initiative - 'Breast Friends'-Breast Health
Awareness Event and Monday, October 9th, for a Council Initiative -
My 'Breast Friends' Mammogram Screening Event in partnership with
Women's Imaging.
Presented by Mayor Pro Tem Barber
Motion to approve made by Mayor Pro Tem Barber; seconded by
Councilman Blount. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING MEETINGS
UPCOMING MEETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Council meetings will be held in the
City Council Chamber. Meeting dates, locations and times are subject to change or
contact City Hall offices at 770-389-7900 for updates.
• Citywide Development Authority Meeting, 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:00
p.m. - City Hall Levi Meeting Room (Sep 12) CANCELED
• Downtown Development Authority Meeting, 3rd Tuesday of each month
Welcome Center 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail (Sep 19)
• Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m. – 3rd Tuesday of each
month Levi Meeting Room - City Hall (Sep 19)
• City Council Work Session Meeting, last Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. –
City Hall Council (Sep 26)
• Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m. - City Hall Council Chamber 4th
Thursday of each month– (Sep 28)
• Stockbridge Citizens-Police Advisory Council Meeting, 1st Thursday of each
month - Police Precinct 4545 N. Henry Blvd. Community Meeting Room 6:00
p.m. (Oct 5)
• City Council Meeting, 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. – City Hall Council
Chamber (Oct 9)
• Youth Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m. - 2nd Monday of each month - City Hall Levi
Meeting Room - City Hall (Oct 9)
• Main Street Advisory Board Meeting, 2nd Friday of each month – Welcome
Center located at 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail at 9am (Oct 13)

7|Page
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS
➢ Join Mayor Pro Tem Barber for the next District 4 Community Forum on
Thursday, September 14th from 6pm - 8pm at the Merle Manders Conference
Center located at 111 Davis Rd.
➢ The Economic Development Strategic Plan Community Consensus Workshop
will take place on Thursday, September 14th from 6pm - 8pm via Zoom. Visit our
website www.stockbridgega.org to login information.
➢ Join Councilman Blount for Bingo Bash, Wednesday, September 20th from 10am
– noon at the Merle Manders Conference Center located at 111 Davis Rd.
➢ Join Councilman Alphonso Thomas for the 5th Annual First Responders
Appreciation Drive-Thru Luncheon recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of
Henry County's First Responders. The event will take place on Thursday,
September 21st from 11am -2pm at the Merle Manders Conference Center
located at 111 Davis Rd.
➢ Join Mayor Ford for the monthly Meet the Mayor on Monday, September 25th
from 10am – noon. Please contact Rosalynd Rawls to schedule an appointment
at 678-833-3348 or via email at rrawls@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov
➢ Join the City of Stockbridge for the Annual BridgeFest Festival taking place
Saturday, September 30th at the Stockbridge Amphitheater. This is a Free Event
with Carnival Rides, Food Trucks, Vendors, and a Concert. The gates open at
3:00 pm. Contact the Events Team at 770-389-5982 for more information.
➢ Join Councilwoman Gantt in partnership with the Southern Crescent Pearls
Foundation and AKA Sorority PSI Alpha Omega Chapter for the Bizness Matters
Entrepreneur and Black Business Expo, Sunday, October 1st from 11am - 5pm
at the Merle Manders Conference Center; contact via email:
paoblack365@psialphaomega.org for additional information.
➢ Join Councilman Thomas for the Don’t Trash Stockbridge initiative centered
around education highlighting the causes and effects of Littering and Illegal
Dumping. More information to follow.
➢ Councilman Thomas is honoring Veterans with a Continuous Salute all year long.
Please send your pictures of Veterans with their name, branch, rank and years of
service to rrawls@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov
Get your tickets for the upcoming 2023 Stockbridge Concert Series by visiting
stockbridgeamp.com or in person at the ticket office located at 4650 North Henry Blvd.
Thursday – Saturday from 1pm – 5pm. Babyface and Stokley on September 16th and
Stephanie Mills, Jeffrey Osborne, and Michael Colyar on September 23rd. Be there!
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Ford noted COVID-19 is still with us and noted a new vaccine and booster is
scheduled to be available within the next few weeks and encouraged everyone to get
the vaccinations and boosters to stay healthy, and congratulated Coco Gauff on her
recent win of the U.S. Open, the youngest since Serena Williams.

8|Page
Motion to convene Executive Session for Personnel made by Councilwoman Gantt;
seconded by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 4-1 (Alexander, Barber,
Blount, Gantt In Favor); (Councilman Thomas Opposed).
Motion to approve an Affidavit and reconvene the meeting without action made by
Councilman Thomas; seconded by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 4-0
(Alexander, Barber, Gantt, Thomas) (Blount was not present for the vote.)
Motion to adjourn made by Councilwoman Gantt; seconded by Councilman Thomas.
The motion passed 4-0 (Alexander, Barber, Gantt, Thomas) (Blount was not present for
the vote.) The meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk Anthony S. Ford, Mayor

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WORK SESSION MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 6:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council
Mayor Anthony S. Ford At-Large
Mayor Pro Tem Yolanda Barber – Council District 4
Councilman Elton Alexander – Council District 5
Councilman John Blount – Council District 3
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt – Council District 1
Councilman Alphonso Thomas – Council District 2
Administration
Frederick Gardiner – City Manager
Vanessa Holiday – City Clerk
John Wiggins – City Treasurer
Quinton Washington – City Attorney
Mission: To provide visionary leadership and superior municipal services that enhance the
quality of life for citizens while creating a welcoming business atmosphere focused on
sustainability and expansion of tourism and cultural events.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ford at 6:02 p.m.
Invocation by Councilman Blount

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday was asked to proceed with a verbal roll call. All Members
were present.

Motion to amend the Agenda to add item #8 for clarification regarding Reconsideration
made by Councilwoman Gantt; seconded by Councilman Blount. The motion passed 4-
0-1. Alexander, Barber, Blount, and Gantt approved; (Thomas abstained).
Motion to approve the Agenda made by Councilman Blount; seconded by Councilman
Alexander. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Review of the Minutes – No Action
1. Review of the Draft Retreat Minutes August 10, 2023
2. Review of the Draft Retreat Minutes August 11, 2023
3. Review of the Draft Council Meeting Minutes August 14, 2023
4. Review of the Draft Work Session Minutes August 29, 2023

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PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.

NEW BUSINESS
5. Council consideration to approve Task Order No. 44 with Carter & Sloope
for Watershed Monitoring and Reporting (2024 – 2026 Monitoring Years)
in the amount of $70,400.00. Funding Source: Sewer Department Budget.
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron noted the EPD requires watershed monitoring and requested
approval.

Motion to approve made by Councilman Blount; seconded by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Mr. Aaron requested a site visit with the Council to determine the trees to
be trimmed/cut.

Mayor Pro Tem Barber made a Point of Order to request the Agenda be
amended to add the discussion regarding tree trimming and maintenance.

Motion to amend the Agenda to add a discussion for Tree/Trimming and
Maintenance around city hall made by Councilman Blount; seconded by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Councilman Blount noted there needs to be a plan presented to the
Council showing what is to be removed, and why.

Councilwoman Gantt agreed with a site visit to determine what trees need
to be removed and/or cut back.

Councilman Alexander referenced pictures sent from 2018 where the area
was clear, and not it is not common to have flag poles surrounded by
trees.

Mayor Ford agreed, noting flags are generally placed in a cleared area.

Councilman Thomas agrees the area around city hall and along East
Atlanta Road needs to be addressed and definitely pruned, noting the
cypress trees are expensive, and would be okay with a site visit if
necessary.

Motion to cut down the trees around the flagpole and trim the trees along
East Atlanta Rd. made by Councilwoman Gantt; seconded by Councilman
Alexander. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

6. Council consideration to renew the contract with Amazon, which is a
Piggyback contract with OMNIA Partners Public Sector, through Prince
William County Public Schools in the amount of $75,000.00 under R21-
1386.
2|Page
Presented by: John Wiggins, Treasurer
Mr. Wiggins noted the plan was reviewed and the amount of the contract
is being reduced to $75,000 based on the usage.

Councilman Blount asked what control mechanism is in place to prevent
purchases exceeding $75,000.

Mr. Wiggins noted a requisition cannot be entered that exceeds the
$75,000 allotted.

Motion to approve made by Councilman Blount; seconded by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

7. Council consideration to amend the Downtown Special Events Program to
increase the maximum funding amount from $2,500 to $5,000 and
allowing for up to $1,500 to be used towards City of Stockbridge fees
related to special events such as staffing needs, street closures, security
detail, cleaning, and City equipment.
Presented by: Kim Allonce, Economic Development Director
Mr. Allonce the new program is being implemented, and noted that upon
review, the current funding will not be sufficient to effectively carry out the
goals of the program and engaged the Council in discussion on how the
program will be carried out along with the permitting process, noting final
approval of each event is at the discretion of the City Manager.

Councilman Alexander suggests the city streamline the process to be
more business-friendly and remove the red tape where possible.

Motion to approve with a cap of $15,000 per year made by Councilwoman
Gantt; seconded by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed
unanimously 5-0.

8. Clarification of the Reconsideration of Selection of Deputy Clerk
Presented by Attorney Washington
Attorney Washington noted during the September 11, 2023 meeting, the
Council voted 3-2 to move forward with a Resolution for the City Council to
continue the process of appointing the Deputy City Clerk and noted during
the meeting the Motion to Reconsider had not been voted on by the
Council and needed to clarify; and referenced a legal opinion that he had
distributed to the Mayor & Council.

Attorney Washington advised the Council of the options:
1. A Resolution for Council to appoint the Deputy City Clerk.
2. The Deputy City Clerk to be hired by the process under the HR and
City Manager process.

3|Page
Motion to issue the directive of the consensus of Council that the staff
shall be prohibited from directly hiring anyone for the position of Deputy
Clerk and to yield to the will of the City Council to appoint the candidate of
our choice made by Councilman Alexander; seconded by Councilman
Blount. The motion passed 3-2 Alexander, Blount and Gantt approved;
Barber and Thomas opposed.

Mayor Pro Tem Barber asked if the action taken means the City
Clerk is not authorized to hire the Deputy Clerk.

Attorney Washington confirmed that is the action; noting one Council
cannot bind another Council.

Councilwoman Gantt asked Attorney Washington if the Council needed to
vote on the original motion to reconsider from the September 11, 2023
meeting.

Attorney Washington stated the motion was taken up by the Chair, and the
motion can either die or bring it back; and further stated there was no
action taken by the Council and the intent was clearly expressed, and
there are no pending motions.

Mayor Ford suggested moving on, noting the will of the Council.

Councilman Blount noted he wants the matter to be clean, cut, and dry,
and asked Attorney Washington if there were any flaws in the process.

Attorney Washington noted there has been a final point of clarification
made.

Councilman Blount stated that if the matter was legally clear, the item
should not have been presented to the Council on the Agenda tonight and
asked the City Clerk if there were any flaws in the process tonight.

Ms. Holiday’s response was to defer to Legal Counsel, as she cannot
overrule Legal.

Attorney Washington stated the Council does not need to vote on
the Reconsideration motion made by Councilman Alexander at the
September 11, 2023 meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING MEETINGS
UPCOMING MEETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Council meetings will be held in the
City Council Chamber. Meeting dates, locations and times are subject to change or
contact City Hall offices at 770-389-7900 for updates.

4|Page
• Stockbridge Citizens-Police Advisory Council meeting 1st Thursday of each
month at 6:00 p.m. at the Stockbridge Police Community Room 4545 N. Henry
Blvd. (Oct 5)
• City Council Meeting, 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. – City Hall Council
Chamber (Oct 9)
• Youth Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m. - 2nd Monday of each month - City Hall Levi
Meeting Room - City Hall (Oct 9)
• Citywide Development Authority Meeting, 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:00
p.m. - City Hall Levi Meeting Room (Oct 10)
• Main Street Advisory Board Meeting, 2nd Friday of each month – Welcome
Center located at 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail at 9am (Oct 13)
• Downtown Development Authority Meeting, 3rd Tuesday of each month
Welcome Center 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail (Oct 17)
• Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m. - 3rd Tuesday of each
month - Levi Meeting Room - City Hall (Oct 17)
• Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m. - City Hall Council Chamber 4th
Thursday of each month– (Oct 26)
• City Council Work Session Meeting, last Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. –
City Hall Council (Oct 31)

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS/INITIATIVES

o Join the City of Stockbridge for the Annual BridgeFest Festival taking place
Saturday, September 30th at the Stockbridge Amphitheater. This is a Free Event
with Carnival Rides, Food Trucks, Vendors, and a Concert. The gates open at
3:00 pm. Contact the Events Team at 770-389-5982 for more information.
o Join Councilwoman Gantt in partnership with the Southern Crescent Pearls
Foundation and AKA Sorority PSI Alpha Omega Chapter for the Bizness Matters
Entrepreneur and Black Business Expo, Sunday, October 1st from 11am - 5pm
at the Merle Manders Conference Center; contact via
email: paoblack365@psialphaomega.org for additional information.
o Join Mayor Pro Tem Barber for the 'Breast Friends' Breast Health Awareness
event on Monday, October 2nd at the Merle Manders Conference Center Lower
Level and again on October 9th for the 'My Breast Friend' mammogram
screening event in partnership with Women's Imaging Specialist. There are 20
slots available for women who are uninsured.
o Join Councilman Alexander for the District 5 Jodeco Rd. Community Clean Up –
Saturday, October 7th from 9am – 11am. Meet at Hardee’s on Jodeco Rd.
o Join Councilman Blount for Bingo Bash, Wednesday, October 18th from 10am –
noon at the Merle Manders Conference Center located at 111 Davis Rd.
o Join Mayor Ford for the monthly Meet the Mayor on Monday, October 23rd from
10am – noon. Please contact Rosalynd Rawls to schedule an appointment at
678-833-3348 or via email at rrawls@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov
o Join Councilwoman Gantt for the 2023 Fall Festival on Saturday, October 28th at
Clark Park from 12pm – 4pm. This is a Free Event with free candy, games and a
costume contest, and Food Trucks will be on site.

5|Page
o Join Councilman Thomas for the Don’t Trash Stockbridge initiative centered
around education highlighting the causes and effects of Littering and Illegal
Dumping. More information to follow.
o Councilman Thomas is honoring Veterans with a Continuous Salute all year long.
Please send your pictures of Veterans with their name, branch, rank and years of
service to rrawls@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov

Get your tickets for the upcoming 2023 Stockbridge Concert Series by visiting
stockbridgeamp.com or in person at the ticket office located at 4650 North Henry Blvd.
Thursday – Saturday from 1pm – 5pm.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Ford noted COVID-19 is still on the rise and encouraged everyone to get their
vaccinations and boosters to stay healthy as the flu season approaches; noted Costco
is having their grand opening at the Bridges of Jodeco on Thursday, November 16th;
referenced the Candidate Forum taking place on Tuesday, October 10th with
Stockbridge municipal candidates and will be hosted by an AJC journalist; and
reminded everyone about the upcoming Free BridgeFest event and to get your ticket
to secure seating.
Motion to convene Executive Session for Personnel made by Councilwoman Gantt;
seconded by Councilman Blount. The motion passed 3-2 Alexander, Blount and Gantt
Approved; Barber and Thomas Opposed. Councilman Thomas exited the meeting
during Executive Session.
Motion to adjourn Executive Sesson with an Affidavit and reconvene the meeting made
by Councilman Blount; seconded by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 3-0.
Alexander, Blount and Gantt Approved; Barber and Thomas were not present for the
vote.
Motion to transfer properties: 108 First Street, 142 Wilson Avenue and 4498 North
Henry Blvd. to the URA made by Councilwoman Gantt; seconded by Councilman
Alexander. The motion passed 3-0. Alexander, Blount and Gantt Approved; Barber and
Thomas were not present for the vote.
Motion to adjourn made by Councilwoman Gantt; seconded by Councilman Alexander.
The motion passed 3-0. Alexander, Blount and Gantt Approved; Barber and Thomas
were not present for the vote. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk Anthony S. Ford, Mayor

6|Page
City of Stockbridge
MEETING DATE
AGENDA ITEM
10/30/2023 FUNDING SOURCE
X RESOLUTION GENERAL FUND
ORDINANCE FUND BALANCE
CONTRACT APPROVAL/RENEWAL SPLOST or TSPLOST
PUBLIC HEARING ARPA
PRESENTATION GRANT
BID SELECTION/AWARD HOTEL/MOTEL TOURISM
TASK ORDER COUNCIL INITIATIVE
CHANGE ORDER PARTNER/SPONSOR
BUDGET AMENDMENT DEPARTMENT FUND BALANCE
BUDGET TRANSFER BONDING
PAYMENT APPROVAL ACCOUNT TRANSFER FROM:
OTHER ACCOUNT TRANSFER TO:

PRESENTER:
Kira Harris-Braggs
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
ITEM/PROJECT/EVENT:
Council consideration to endorse the submission of the DD RLF Application by the Downtown
Development Authority of Stockbridge for the downtown project located at 132 MLK Senior
Heritage Trail, Stockbridge, GA 30281on behalf of the NOLA Bistro and Daiquiri Bar LLC.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has approved the Stockbridge Downtown
Development Authority's request for a Downtown Revolving Loan Fund (DD RLF) in the amount of
$250,000 to assist NOLA Bistro and Daiquiri Bar LLC. As part of the approval process, the DCA
requires a resolution from the City of Stockbridge endorsing the DD RLF Application.

Frederick Gardiner
APPROVALS: CITY MANAGER___________________________ FINANCIAL IMPACT N/A
CITY TREASURER____________________________________ AMOUNT $
Quinton Washington
CITY ATTORNEY____________________________________
GRANTS ADMIN.___________________________________ ATTACHMENTS:
ITEM/PROJECT/EVENT:
Council consideration to endorse the submission of the DD RLF Application by the Downtown
Development Authority of Stockbridge for the downtown project located at 132 MLK Senior Heritage
Trail, Stockbridge, GA 30281on behalf of the NOLA Bistro and Daiquiri Bar LLC.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
ED Staff recommends approval of the request.

Digitally signed by Kim Allonce
Kim Allonce Date: 2023.10.16 14:44:39
Staff Signature______________________________
-04'00'

City of Stockbridge
MEETING DATE
AGENDA ITEM
10/31/2023 FUNDING SOURCE
RESOLUTION GENERAL FUND
ORDINANCE FUND BALANCE
CONTRACT APPROVAL/RENEWAL SPLOST or TSPLOST
PUBLIC HEARING ARPA
PRESENTATION GRANT
BID SELECTION/AWARD HOTEL/MOTEL TOURISM
TASK ORDER COUNCIL INITIATIVE
CHANGE ORDER PARTNER/SPONSOR
BUDGET AMENDMENT DEPARTMENT FUND BALANCE
BUDGET TRANSFER BONDING
PAYMENT APPROVAL ACCOUNT TRANSFER FROM:
■ OTHER ACCOUNT TRANSFER TO:

PRESENTER:
Kim Allonce
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
ITEM/PROJECT/EVENT:
Council consideration to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of
Stockbridge and the Citywide Development Authority.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
This Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of Stockbridge and the Citywide Development Authority is
designed to memorialize an agreement by and between them as such relates to the City providing the Authority with (a)
support services in the form of personnel and staffing; (b) office space and equipment or funding equivalent therefor; (c)
funding for operational expenses related to maintaining an office space along with the necessary equipment to make such
space appropriately functional; (d) funding for the development and implementation of the Authority’s economic development
strategy to include (i) economic development services and related activities, and (ii) support for such economic development
services to include financial incentives, and such other ancillary and related activities.

APPROVALS: CITY MANAGER___________________________ FINANCIAL IMPACT ■ N/A
CITY TREASURER____________________________________ AMOUNT $
CITY ATTORNEY____________________________________
GRANTS ADMIN.___________________________________ ATTACHMENTS: ■
ITEM/PROJECT/EVENT:
Council consideration to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of
Stockbridge and the Citywide Development Authority.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
ED Staff recommends approval of the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of
Stockbridge and the Citywide Development Authority.

Digitally signed by Kim Allonce
Kim Allonce Date: 2023.10.09 10:40:11
Staff Signature______________________________
-04'00'

Signature: Frederick Gardiner (Oct 19, 2023 08:20 EDT) Signature: Samantha Embry (Oct 9, 2023 14:17 EDT)
Email: fgardiner@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov Email: quinton@washingtondreyer.com
COS and CDA IGA Agenda Request Form
Final Audit Report 2023-10-19

Created: 2023-10-09

By: Kim Allonce (kallonce@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov)

Status: Signed

Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAAzipXp1fcG2kGltehNrkVXpGJuFAgF9RA

"COS and CDA IGA Agenda Request Form" History
Document digitally presigned by Kim Allonce (kallonce@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov)
2023-10-09 - 2:40:11 PM GMT

Document created by Kim Allonce (kallonce@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov)
2023-10-09 - 2:41:05 PM GMT

Document emailed to fgardiner@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov for signature
2023-10-09 - 2:41:31 PM GMT

Document emailed to quinton@washingtondreyer.com for signature
2023-10-09 - 2:41:31 PM GMT

Email viewed by quinton@washingtondreyer.com
2023-10-09 - 6:16:42 PM GMT

Signer quinton@washingtondreyer.com entered name at signing as Samantha Embry
2023-10-09 - 6:17:09 PM GMT

Document e-signed by Samantha Embry (quinton@washingtondreyer.com)
Signature Date: 2023-10-09 - 6:17:11 PM GMT - Time Source: server

Email viewed by fgardiner@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov
2023-10-19 - 12:16:52 PM GMT

Signer fgardiner@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov entered name at signing as Frederick Gardiner
2023-10-19 - 12:20:38 PM GMT

Document e-signed by Frederick Gardiner (fgardiner@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov)
Signature Date: 2023-10-19 - 12:20:40 PM GMT - Time Source: server

Agreement completed.
2023-10-19 - 12:20:40 PM GMT
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT

THIS INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made and entered
into on this ____ day of ____________, 2023, by and between the CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE,
GEORGIA (hereinafter referred to as the "City"), and CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY d/b/a Stockbridge Citywide Development Authority (hereinafter
referred to as the "Authority"); collectively referred to as “the Parties.”

WHEREAS, the City is a municipal corporation duly organized and existing under the
laws of the State of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, the Authority is a “public body, corporate and politic” instrumentality and
political subdivision of the State of Georgia established pursuant to the Official Code of Georgia
Annotated (“O.C.G.A.”), §36-62-1, et seq., (the “Development Authorities Law”), created for the
purpose of developing and promoting, for the public good and general welfare, trade, commerce,
industry, and employment opportunities, within the City of Stockbridge (collectively, “economic
development”); and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Article IX, § IV, ¶ II of the Constitution of the State of Georgia
of 1983, as amended, the City is authorized to expend funds to perform any public service or public
function as authorized by the Constitution or by general law; and

WHEREAS, the Development Authorities Law authorizes the City to provide financial
support to the Authority to enable the Authority to fulfill its public mission of fostering economic
development within the City of Stockbridge; and

WHEREAS, the City and the Authority desire to memorialize an agreement by and
between them as such relates to the City providing the Authority with (a) support services in the
form of personnel and staffing; (b) office space and equipment or funding equivalent therefor; (c)
funding for operational expenses related to maintaining an office space along with the necessary
equipment to make such space appropriately functional; (d) funding for the development and
implementation of the Authority’s economic development strategy to include (i) economic
development services and related activities, and (ii) support for such economic development
services to include financial incentives, and such other ancillary and related activities, among
other things; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Article IX, § III, ¶ I (a) of the Constitution of the State of
Georgia of 1983, as amended, the City is authorized to contract with any public authority for a
period not exceeding fifty (50) years for joint services, for the provision of services, or for the
joint or separate use of facilities or equipment, provided that such contract deals with activities,
services or facilities which the contracting Parties are authorized by law to undertake or provide;
and

WHEREAS, in consideration of the Authority providing ongoing promotion, marketing,
advocacy, revitalization, and economic development services for the City and its citizens within
the incorporated area, the City has agreed to provide certain funding to the Authority and, from
time to time, to convey City owned property to the Authority for such economic development
purposes pursuant to the terms and conditions as authorized by the Development Authorities Law,
the 1983 Georgia Constitution, as amended, and as may be agreed to by the Parties.
NOW, THEREFORE, for due and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency
of which are hereby acknowledged, the City and the Authority agree as follows:

ARTICLE I: PURPOSE OF AGREEMENT

The purpose of this Agreement shall be to establish the parameters under which the
Authority operates as it endeavors to facilitate the revitalization and development of underutilized
and underdeveloped areas in the City, attract private investment, strengthen the City's economic
base and tax digest, attract new industries, create jobs, and benefit the residents and citizens of the
City.

ARTICLE I: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Section 1.1 Appointment as Principal Economic Development Agency. The City
hereby designates the Authority as the City’s non-exclusive economic development agency. The
Authority hereby covenants and agrees to promote and pursue, for and on behalf of the City,
economic development and related activities as described herein and as otherwise allowed by
applicable law and such other incentives and services may be modified, adjusted and enhanced
from time to time in the furtherance of such objectives through coordination of the Authority with
Mayor and Council.

Section 1.2 Economic Development Services and Related Activities. In consideration
of the payments and appropriations made by the City under this Agreement, and the other promises
and commitments made hereunder, the Authority agrees that it shall undertake the following
activities:
A. The Authority shall serve as an economic development agent for the City exercising its
powers under O.C.G.A. § 36-62-1 et seq. (the Development Authorities Law) and Article
IX, § VI, ¶ III of the Constitution of the State of Georgia of 1983, as now exists and as may
be amended in the future for the benefit of the City and the citizens thereof.

B. The Authority may assist in the creation of such tax allocation districts as may be
deemed necessary or prudent or otherwise provide for tax abatement programs in
furtherance of economic development in the City.

C. The Authority may enter into and execute any contracts, leases, mortgages, or other
agreements, including agreements with bondholders or lenders, determined by the
Authority to be necessary or convenient to foster economic development in the City. All

such contracts, leases, mortgages, or other agreements which impose upon the Authority
any monetary obligation which cannot be satisfied without money from the City’s budget
or from income derived by the sale or lease of property held in the name of the Authority
shall be approved by the City prior to being entered into by the Authority.

D. From time to time, the Authority may acquire property, real or personal, or interests
therein, for redevelopment and development purposes, and use or dispose of such property
or interests, either through the City or directly with private parties.

E. The Authority may conduct other planning and implementation activities as are deemed
necessary and prudent, including planning and predevelopment activities such as site
analysis, environmental analysis, development planning, market analysis, financial
feasibility studies, preliminary design, zoning compliance, facilities inspections, and
overall analysis of proposed redevelopment plans to ensure consistency with the City's
overall goals and short term and long-range plans.

F. The Authority may negotiate and enter into public-private ventures, provide loans to
private enterprises, and enter into intergovernmental and other agreements as needed.

G. The Authority shall perform such other related and incidental powers necessary to carry
out the above functions.

ARTICLE II: FUNDING AND APPROPRIATIONS

In consideration of the services and commitments made by the Authority herein, the City
shall appropriate funds to be used by the Authority, or on its behalf, in carrying out the
development goals set forth in this Agreement and in carrying those functions and activities
provided for the Agreement.

Section 2.1. Annual Budget Appropriations. The City hereby covenants and agrees to
budget, appropriate and fund the operations of the Authority each fiscal year during the Term of
this Agreement. The Initial Budget of $45,000 as funded by the City may be amended from time
to time. The amount for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2024, shall be $75,000 or such other
amount as the City may approve. For each subsequent annual period January 1 through December
31, the City agrees to include the Authority in its annual budget process in the same or similar
manner as City departments and provide adequate notice to the Authority to allow participation
in the same. Upon appropriation, the City may make payment to the Authority on January 1,
2024, to allow the funding of the Authority’s operations. Such funding may be in addition to any
amounts received by the Authority for services outside of this Agreement or supplemental
services as provided herein.

Section 2.2. Additional Funding. In addition, from time to time during the term of this
Agreement, the City may review the progress by the Authority and the financial condition of the
Authority and may appropriate additional funds for use by the Authority. The City will consult in
good faith with the Authority regarding the appropriate level of appropriation, and will, in all
events, appropriate sufficient funds to meet all contractual obligations of the Authority.

Section 2.3. Fees and Commissions. In addition to any other funding, disbursement or
appropriations from the City, the Parties recognize and agree that, as consideration for its role and
the expenditure of its time and resources, the Authority may earn and be entitled to receive a fee
of eight (8) precent on all real estate sales or transactions it facilitates on behalf of the City. The
Authority may similarly earn a fee of two (2) percent or Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000),
whichever is lower, on all bonds, tax abatements, or other public finance transactions it facilitates
on behalf of the City.

Section 2.4. Annual Audit. The Authority shall cooperate with the City and provide any
requested documents required in connection with the annual audit.

Section 2.5. Quarterly Report. Within fifteen (15) days after the end of each fiscal
quarterly period of each fiscal year of the Authority, commencing with the first fiscal quarter after
the date of this agreement, the Authority Chair shall prepare and submit to the Mayor and City
Council a quarterly report, which shall provide an update on the Authority’s operations, current
and prospective projects, other business of the Authority, ad any other reasonable information the
City may request, insofar as such information reasonably relates to the City, within fifteen days
prior to the end of the applicable fiscal quarterly period.

ARTICLE III: DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OPERATIONS

Section. 3.1. Provision of Office Space. The City expressly authorizes the Authority to
utilize City Hall for its meetings and other operational purposes, including but not limited to,
conference rooms, audio visual equipment, file storage and offices.

Section 3.2. Provision of Administrative Services. The City may provide the Authority
reasonable access to and use of City administrative services, including but not limited to, the City’s
website, IT support, office equipment, tools and programs, such as email, calendaring and
electronic storage of records. The City may appoint one staff member to function as the Authority’s
Clerk, who shall be responsible for the recording and maintenance of all Authority minutes,
records, contracts and other official documents, and for ensuring the Authority’s compliance with
state law meeting requirements, state law records requirements, and applicable City ordinances.

Section 3.3. Provision of Staff Services. During the term of this Agreement, the City
may provide the Authority with certain City staff and employees to perform tasks to support the
Authority’s operations (“City Staff Services”). The Authority’s use of City Staff Services shall not
unreasonably interfere with City operations and may provide competent and timely services to the
Authority. The City shall retain responsibility for the payment of City Staff Services, including
but not limited to, salaries, benefits (such as insurance and retirement costs), and other

remuneration, costs and expenses (whether direct or indirect) which shall not be subtracted from
the Authority’s annual budget or other appropriations as provided herein.

Section 3.4. Legal and Professional Services. The Authority shall appoint and retain its
own attorney to provide legal services to the Authority. Further, the Authority shall hire and retain
such other professionals, including but not limited to financing, real estate, and marketing
professionals to assist the Authority in fulfilling its responsibilities as provided by law. For
purposes of clarification and without intending to limit any other provision in this Agreement, the
Parties each covenant and agree that each member of the Loaned Staff will be expected to provide
the Authority with competent and timely services, performed in a manner sufficient to allow the
Authority to fulfill its public purpose and economic development objectives.

ARTICLE IV: PROJECTS

Section 4.1. Initiation of Projects. The Authority shall have the right to initiate any
Project as allowed by and within the parameters of the Development Authorities Law. Whenever
the Authority identifies a prospect for a targeted industry that involves the use or development of
City-owned property, the Authority shall request approval from the City to convey all or a portion
of such property to the Authority for marketing and development purposes; provided that nothing
shall preclude the City from requesting the Authority to market and develop City-owned property
or otherwise conveying City-owned property to the Authority for marketing and development
purposes.

Section 4.2. Disposition of Property. Whenever the Authority disposes of property that
has been conveyed to the Authority by the City for economic development purposes, the Authority
shall distribute sixty percent (60%) of the net proceeds from any such disposition to the City and
the Authority shall retain forty percent (40%) of such net proceeds. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, whenever the Authority disposes of property that the Authority has acquired on its own,
the Authority shall retain one hundred percent (100%) of the net proceeds from such disposition.
For purposes of this agreement, “dispose” shall include any sale or long-term lease of property.
For purposes of this agreement “net proceeds” shall mean the gross proceeds less all necessary
costs and expenses deducted therefrom.

Section 4.3. Reconveyance of City-Owned Property. Should the Authority be
unsuccessful in marketing and developing any City-owned property conveyed to the Authority to
a targeted industry within two (2) years of the City’s conveyance of such property to the Authority,
the City shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to demand the Authority to reconvey the property
to the City, without charge to the City.

Section 4.4. No Obligation to Initiate Projects. There shall be no obligation on the part
of the City or the Authority to initiate or authorize any project. Any Project presented to or
advanced by the Authority must be acceptable to the Authority.

ARTICLE V: INDEMNITY

Section 5.1. The Authority, shall obtain at its expense, a policy of insurance which
covers the liability of board of directors (“Directors”) from any and all claims, demands, actions,
causes of action, suits, damages, loss, and expense of any kind to any entity, person, or property,
and the City may advance the costs for purchasing such insurance and may advance defense costs
and pay on behalf of the directors any judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement, and expenses
of litigation, including, but not limited to, witness fees, court costs, and attorney’s fees, which are
actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any claim, action, suit, or proceedings,
pending or threatened, whether civil, administrative, or investigative, at law or in equity, in which
such Director becomes involved by reason of his/her acts or omissions as a Director, including
for the Director’s own negligence. The City may require the Director to permit the City to
participate in the defense of any such action or proceedings through legal counsel designated by
the City and at the expense of the City or its insurer.

Section 5.2. The City may refuse to provide for the defense of a claim or proceeding
brought against a Director if the City determines that any of the grounds set forth herein exist:
1. The act or omission did not arise out of the course of his or her duties as a Director;
2. The Director acted or failed to act because of fraud, corruption, or malice;
3. Provision of a defense would not be in the best interests of the City;
4. The proceeding is a criminal prosecution;
5. The claim arises out of an act or omission at a time when the Director was under the
influence of drugs or intoxicants; or
6. The act or omission giving rise to the claims was in direct violation of established City
policy.

ARTICLE VI: GENERAL PROVISIONS

a. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned without the express written consent
of all other parties to this Agreement.

b. NOTICE. Any notice required or permitted to be delivered hereunder shall be deemed
received when sent by United States certified mail, return receipt requested, or statutory
overnight delivery, at the addresses set forth below:

City of Stockbridge, Georgia
4640 North Henry Boulevard
Stockbridge, Georgia 30281
Attention: City Manager

With a copy to:
Quinton G. Washington, Esq.
City Attorney
Washington, Dreyer & Associates, LLC
270 Peachtree St NW Suite 1040
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Email: quinton@washingtondreyer.com

City of Stockbridge Development Authority
4640 North Henry Boulevard
Stockbridge, Georgia 30281
Attention: Chair

With a copy to:
Winston A. Denmark, Esq.
Denmark and Ashby LLC
100 Hartsfield Centre Parkway Suite 400
Atlanta, Georgia 30354
Email: wdenmark@denmarkashby.com

c. STATE LAW TO APPLY. This contract shall be construed under and in accordance with
the laws of the State of Georgia.

d. PARTIES BOUND. The contract shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
Parties hereto and their respective legal representatives, successors, and assigns where
permitted by this Agreement.

e. SEVERABILITY. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this contract
shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, such
invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision thereof and
this contract shall be construed as is such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had
never been contained herein.

f. TIME OF ESSENCE. Time is of the essence of this contract.

g. AMENDMENT. This Agreement may not be modified, amended or terminated in whole
or in part in any manner other than by an agreement in writing duly signed and
appropriately approved by all parties hereto.

h. HEADINGS. The headings for each paragraph or section of this Agreement are for
convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed a part of this. Agreement for the
purposes of interpreting any provision of said Agreement.

i. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of identical
counterparts, and each counterpart hereof shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but
all counterparts hereof taken together shall constitute but a single instrument.

j. CONSTRUCTION OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement shall not be construed more
strongly against any party regardless of which party is responsible for its preparation.

k. MEDIATION. The City and the Development Authority agree to submit any controversy
arising under this Agreement to mediation for a resolution prior to seeking any other any
judicial, administrative, or other formal enforcement of same. The parties to the mediation
shall mutually select a neutral party to serve as mediator. Costs of mediation shall be shared
equally among the parties to the mediation.

l. DATES. If the final date of any time period or the date for the performance of any
obligation hereunder falls upon a Saturday, Sunday, or a bank or government holiday under
the laws of the State of Georgia, then the time of such period or the time for the
performance of such obligation shall be extended to the next day which is not a Saturday,
Sunday, or a bank or government holiday under the laws of the State of Georgia.

m. EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM OF AGREEMENT. The Effective Date of this
Agreement shall be the date on which the last party fully executed this Agreement, and the
term of this Agreement shall extend for a period of 10 years unless terminated by the City
or the Authority upon 60 days’ written notice.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City and the Authority as Parties hereto have caused this
Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives and delivered as their act and
deed, intending to be legally bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

City of Stockbridge, Georgia

By: (SEAL)
Anthony S. Ford, Mayor of Stockbridge, Georgia

ATTEST:

By:
Vanessa Holiday, Clerk of City of Stockbridge, Georgia

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

By:
Quinton Washington, City Attorney

City of Stockbridge Development Authority

By:
Ariel Shaw, Chair
City of Stockbridge Development Authority

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

By:
Winston A. Denmark, Counsel for City of
Stockbridge Development Authority

City of Stockbridge
MEETING DATE
AGENDA ITEM
October 30, 2023 FUNDING SOURCE
RESOLUTION GENERAL FUND
ORDINANCE FUND BALANCE
CONTRACT APPROVAL/RENEWAL SPLOST or TSPLOST
PUBLIC HEARING ARPA
PRESENTATION GRANT
BID SELECTION/AWARD HOTEL/MOTEL TOURISM
TASK ORDER COUNCIL INITIATIVE
CHANGE ORDER PARTNER/SPONSOR
BUDGET AMENDMENT DEPARTMENT FUND BALANCE
BUDGET TRANSFER BONDING
PAYMENT APPROVAL ACCOUNT TRANSFER FROM:
OTHER ACCOUNT TRANSFER TO:

PRESENTER:
Jeremy K. Goodwin
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
ITEM/PROJECT/EVENT:
Grant opportunity for the Recreational Trail Program.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of Stockbridge will submit a grant application for the Recreational Trail Program with an estimated
total project cost of $450,000. The grant will require at minimum a 20%($90,000) match. The city will commit
to a 50%($225,000) match using SPLOST V funds which will be reimbursed by the grant. The grant
application states that if a city commits to more than a 20% required match, the applicant will receive
additional scoring points. So, the city will commit to a 50% match. The grant opportunity will be funded toward
a restroom facility at the west end of Reeves Creek Trail off of Flippen Road.

APPROVALS: CITY MANAGER___________________________ FINANCIAL IMPACT N/A
CITY TREASURER____________________________________ AMOUNT $
CITY ATTORNEY____________________________________ $450,000
GRANTS ADMIN.___________________________________ ATTACHMENTS:
ITEM/PROJECT/EVENT:
Grant opportunity for the Recreational Trail Program.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

The City of Stockbridge will submit a grant application for the Recreational Trail Program
with an estimated total project cost of $450,000. The grant will require at minimum a 20%
($90,000) match. The city will commit to a 50%($225,000) match using SPLOST V funds
which will be reimbursed by the grant. The grant application states that if a city commits
to more than a 20% required match, the applicant will receive additional scoring points.
So, the city will commit to a 50% match. The city would like to recommend approval from
the council to apply for the Recreational Trail Program Grant opportunity to construct a
restroom facility at the west end of Reeves Creek Trail off of Flippen Rd.

Staff Signature______________________________

Georgia
Recreational Trails Program
2023-2024 Manual

Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Recreational Trails Program
2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, SE
Suite 1370 East Tower
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
(404) 463-8570

Updated April 2023
Introduction
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) supports the development of a variety of trail types and
trail-related facilities. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) is excited to help
increase outdoor access on trails throughout Georgia by administering our state’s RTP funds. RTP
is a pass-through grant program from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) of the U.S.
Department of Transportation (USDOT).

Prospective projects will undergo a web-based, multi-phase, competitive application process
submitted to GADNR.
The purpose of this manual is to serve as a source of information and guidance for prospective
applicants in securing RTP funding. It details important program fundamentals and goals, while
also providing instructions on how to apply.
Note: This booklet does not contain all materials and forms needed to apply for RTP assistance.
Applicants should visit the RTP Homepage at www.gadnr.org/rtp for program updates.

Funding
RTP grant funds represent a portion of the federal gasoline tax attributed to off-highway recreation.
FHWA’s apportionments to states are authorized by the U.S. Congress. RTP funds are intended to
support recreational trail related projects for both motorized and nonmotorized use. Eligible
projects include pedestrian (hiking, running, walking, and wheelchair access), biking, mountain
biking, skating, water trail access, and equestrian riding.

Project proposals for motorized trails use a different application, but include trails for off-road
motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), or other off-road motorized vehicles. Guidance for
motorized grants can be found in the Georgia Off-highway Vehicle Trails Grant Program Manual.

The intent for RTP grant funding is to enhance trail opportunities by achieving results that would
not otherwise be possible. RTP grants are for projects that are primarily recreational in nature,
rather than serving a more utilitarian transportation function. RTP grants fund on-the-ground trail
projects for public outdoor recreation.

Support
GADNR Grants Unit staff is available to help guide applicants through the process associated with
successfully submitting a complete grant application. The best source of information in preparing
an application is this manual used in conjunction with the resources found on the RTP homepage
(www.gadnr.org/rtp). As another means of assistance, a Grants Specialist can explain the program
in detail, determine eligibility, and provide assistance to make an application as competitive as
possible.

Page 2 of 28
Quick Facts

Grant Name Recreational Trail Program

Funding Source Federal Highway Trust Fund

Funding Allocation Approximately $2 million per two-year grant cycle.

-Qualified Local Governments;
Eligible Applicants -State agencies;
-Federal agencies

- New trail construction
- Trail restoration
Permissible Uses
- Trail head facilities
- Land acquisition for trail purposes

Maximum Grant Amount $200,000

Match Requirements 20% match, minimum required

Retainage A minimum of 25% held until project closeout

Grant Term Up to 2 years

Trails funded using RTP money must remain open to the public
Long-term Compliance
for not less than 25 years after grant

Page 3 of 28
Funding Cycle 2023-2024 Timeline
The application process consists of two phases. The Pre-application is an initial submission of
project plans and funding needs. Second-level Applications are submitted after the project
evaluation process and require more detailed information. The application deadline schedule for
the 2023-2024 cycle is as follows:

Pre-application Deadline: Midnight, November 1, 2023
Second-level Application Deadline (if invited): Midnight, March 31, 2024

The proposed 2023-2024 annual funding cycle is as follows:

• September 1, 2023: Pre-application period opens
• November 1, 2023: Pre-applications due
• November 2023 – January 2024: Pre-applications are reviewed and ranked
• February 2024: All Pre-applicants are notified of results, and selected Pre-applicants are
invited to submit Second-level Applications
• March 31, 2024: Second-level Applications due
• Summer 2024: Notification of Awards are released and Financial Workshops conducted for
successful Applicants; trail work begins after Project Agreement is signed.

Contact Information
To better serve Georgia residents in attaining their recreation and conservation goals, the GADNR
Grants Unit staff is available by the following means during normal business hours:

Grants Unit Chief RTP Manager
Taylor Brown Ouicia Jolly
(404) 463-8601 (404) 463-1779
taylor.brown@dnr.ga.gov Ouicia.jolly@dnr.ga.gov

Page 4 of 28
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1: Program Overview ….…………………………………………………..…….……….…….. 6

Section 2: Policies ….……….……….……….……………………………………….……….……….……. 7
2.1 Grant Funding Basics….……….……….……….………………….……….…….. 7
2.2 Applicant Eligibility….……….……….……….…………………….……….……. 7
2.3 Types of Trails …….……….……….……….………………….…….……….…….. 7
2.4 Items Eligible for Reimbursement….……….………….…….……….…….. 8
2.5 Items Eligible as Match…..……….……….……….……….…….……….…….. 8
2.6 Conditional Project Elements……………………….…….…….……….……. 9
2.7 Items Ineligible for Reimbursement or Match…….…….……….…….. 10
2.8 Buy America..….……….……….……….………………………..…….……….…… 11
2.9 Air Quality and Water Quality……………….…………….…….……….…… 11
2.10 Extensions and Changes of Scope….……….…………..…….……….…...… 11
2.11 Types of Projects………………………………………………..…….……….…… 12
2.12 Education Grants…..………………………………………………….……….…… 12
2.13 Control….……….……….……….…….……….……….……………….……….…… 12
2.14 Long-term Obligations for Grant Recipients……….…….……….…….. 13

Section 3: Application Process….……….……….……….…….……….……………….……….…….. 14
3.1 Grant Application Process….……….……….……….………….……….……... 14
3.2 Pre-application Process.……….……….…………………… …….……….…… 14
3.3 Pre-application Definitions….……….……….……….…..…….……….…….. 16
3.4 Pre-application Evaluation Criteria….……….……………….……….……. 16
3.5 Second-level Application Process….……….……….….…….……….……... 21
3.6 Environmental Review Requirements….……….………….……….……... 22

Sections 4: Grant Recipient Requirements….……….……….……….……..…….……….……… 23
4.1 Grant Term….……….……….……….…….……….……….….…….……….……... 23
4.2 Reporting Requirements….……….……….……….…………….……….…….. 23
4.3 Procurement….……….……….……….…….……….……….…….……….………. 25
4.4 RTP Rules and Regulations….……….……….……….….…….……….……… 26

Section 5: Grant Closeout….……….……….……….…….……….……….…………….……….……… 27

Page 5 of 28
Section 1: Program Overview
RTP grant funds represent a portion of the federal gasoline tax attributed to off-highway recreation.
FHWA’s apportionments to states are authorized by the U.S. Congress. RTP funds are intended to
support recreational trail related projects for both motorized and nonmotorized use. Eligible
projects include pedestrian (hiking, running, walking, and wheelchair access), biking, mountain
biking, skating, water trail access, and equestrian riding.

Project proposals for motorized trails use a different application, but include trails for off-road
motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), or other off-road motorized vehicles. Guidance for
motorized grants can be found in the Georgia Off-highway Vehicle Trails Grant Program Manual.

The intent for RTP grant funding is to enhance trail opportunities by achieving results that would
not otherwise be possible. RTP grants are for projects that are primarily recreational in nature,
rather than serving a more utilitarian transportation function. RTP grants fund on-the-ground trail
projects for public outdoor recreation.

Grant Advisory Committee
Legislation for RTP requires that each state create a state RTP Advisory Committee that represents
both motorized and nonmotorized recreational trail users and meets at least once per fiscal year.
The committee advises GADNR regarding program elements.

40-30-30 Requirement
RTP Legislation (23 U.S.C. 206) requires that States use:
• at least 30 percent of RTP funds for uses relating to motorized recreation;
• at least 30 percent for uses relating to nonmotorized recreation;
• at least 40 percent for diverse recreational trail use.

The motorized, nonmotorized and diverse percentages are minimum requirements that must be
met and may be exceeded. A project for diverse motorized use (such as snowmobile and off- road
motorcycle use) may satisfy a portion of the 40 percent diverse use requirement and a portion of
the 30 percent motorized use requirement simultaneously.

To provide more flexibility in RTP project selection, FHWA established five categories to account
for the 30-30-40 requirements:
1. Single use trails for nonmotorized users
2. Diverse use trails for nonmotorized users
3. Single use trails for motorized users
4. Diverse use trails for motorized users
5. Diverse use trails for a mix of motorized and nonmotorized users

Page 6 of 28
Section 2: Policies
2.1 Grant Funding Basics
Funding Amount
Grant requests have no minimum and are limited to a maximum of $200,000 for nonmotorized,
single use and nonmotorized diverse use trail projects. Applicants are limited to one application
per cycle.

Reimbursement Payments
RTP functions as a reimbursement grant program. Project Grantees must have the financial capacity
to pay for project expenses prior to being reimbursed by grant funds. Once project expenses have
been incurred and paid for by the Grantee, payment documentation can then be submitted to
GADNR for reimbursement, up to the amount of the grant award.

Matching Requirements
RTP grant funds can pay up to 80% of a project’s total cost. Grantees must provide at least 20% of
the total project cost as match. The exact match requirement for individual projects will be
determined by an approved budget and identified in the Project Agreement. (see section 2.4 for
eligibility of match).

Retainage
GADNR will retain (i.e. hold back) a minimum of 25% of the grant amount until the project is
verified as complete and all required documentation is approved.

Public Access
Any trail that has received RTP funding must remain open to the public for at least 25 years after
receiving final reimbursement.

2.2 Applicant Eligibility
The following summarizes entities and organizations that are eligible for funding through RTP.
Entities that are not directly eligible are encouraged to consider partnering with eligible entities.
Eligible applicants must be in good standing on current and previous GADNR grants and must be
one of the following types of agencies:
• Qualified Local Governments, as determined by the Department of Community Affairs
• State agencies
• Federal agencies

2.3 Types of Trails
Note: All prospective projects and acquisitions must be completely located within Georgia’s
borders. Applications for projects in a state other than Georgia, either in part or in whole, will not
be considered for funding.

Types of Nonmotorized Trails for RTP:
1. Diverse use trails for nonmotorized users: A project primarily intended to benefit more
than one mode of nonmotorized recreational use, such as pedestrians, bikers, and skaters;
or equestrian use in summer and fall and pedestrian uses in winter and spring. A project
may be classified in this category if the project also indirectly benefits some other

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nonmotorized uses (it is not necessary to exclude other nonmotorized uses), but the
primary intent must be for the stated nonmotorized uses.

2. Single use trails for nonmotorized users: A project primarily intended to benefit only one
mode of nonmotorized recreational use, such as a mountain bike trail. A project may be
classified in this category if the project also indirectly benefits some other nonmotorized
uses (it is not necessary to exclude other nonmotorized uses), but the primary intent must
be for the benefit of a single nonmotorized use. Water trail projects, by federal directive,
are automatically single use nonmotorized projects.

RTP funds can also support motorized trails. Motorized trail projects have a separate manual and
uses a different application from nonmotorized trails. For more specific information, please visit
www.gadnr.org/rtp.

2.4 Items Eligible for Reimbursement
Below are typical items which may be submitted for reimbursement. To qualify for reimbursement,
an expenditure must be directly related to the project and have occurred after the signed Project
Agreement date, but before the Trail Completion Date. Final Reimbursement Requests must be
made within 30 days of the Trail Completion Date.

• Direct materials including drainage, crossings, parking, signage, and access barriers.
• Contractual services such as:
o Design and engineering services and/or environmental reviews directly related to
the trail design (consulting services are not eligible); limited to no more than 15%
of the grant value
o Contractors and subcontractors directly providing trail construction within the
project scope
• Equipment rentals
• Expenses directly related to the acquisition of Real Property

If unsure whether an expenditure is eligible for reimbursement, contact the Grants Specialist for
verification prior to submission.

2.5 Items Eligible as Match
Applicants are required to provide matching funds equal to at least 20% of the total project cost,
although Applicants are encouraged to provide more. If federal funds are used as match, at least 5%
of the total project cost must come from a non-federal source (23 U.S.C. 206). All sources of match
must be identified in the grant application. To qualify for match, an item must be directly related to
the project and have occurred no earlier than the signed Project Agreement date, but before the
Trail Completion Date. The only exceptions to this are that (1) design and engineering costs and/or
(2) the value of land acquisition can each count as match, so long as they occurred within 18
months prior to the Project Agreement being executed and are properly documented.

The following are common sources of matching funds:
• Applicant funds, often referred to as “cash match.”
• Materials of financial value to be used directly on the RTP trail project which are donated by
individuals or other organizations. Examples might be donating trash receptacles or lumber
for a trail bridge. In this case, a donation letter and the invoice(s) for the donated materials

Page 8 of 28
are required to document the financial value of the gift. Donations can only count toward
match and cannot be reimbursed.
• Design and Engineering expenses directly related to the project scope but incurred prior to
the Project Agreement effective date are not reimbursible, although may be counted as
match only by the Applicant, so long as they occurred within 18 months prior to the
Project Agreement being signed. Design and Engineering Expenses older that 18 months
are not eligible. Project Planning and Environmental Compliance Services can, under
certain conditions, be included in the design and engineering costs. This service must apply
specifically to guidance or support of the project that will be accomplished with approved
RTP funds. Construction/project/grant administration and management are not allowable.
The donation of any professional or accredited design and engineering services will be
valued at the fair market value, documentation of gift and value required.
• Land donated to the Applicant/Grantee for a public trail valued at the appraised value of the
donation. The donation of land can be eligible as match, so long as it occurred within 18
months prior to the Project Agreement being signed. The donation must be completed prior
to grant closeout to count. Strict adherence to Yellow Book standards is required. The
Uniform Appraisal Standards of Federal Land Acquisitions (UASFLA), commonly referred to
as the “Yellow Book,” must be used to prepare appraisals for acquisitions, or donations if
used for a federal match. Budgeted costs of appraisals to these standards are eligible project
costs. GADNR does not provide this service. Additional guidance can be found at
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/real_estate/uniform_act/property_valuation/. Acquisition of
any kind must be from a willing landowner as RTP legislation prohibits condemnation of
any kind of interest in property.
• Volunteer labor will be credited at $15.43/hour, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics
(BLS) May 2019 median wage estimate for 37-3019 Grounds Maintenance Workers. The
value of $15.43/hour for volunteer labor will be used throughout the term of this grant
regardless of fluctuations in the labor market. Volunteer hours can only count toward match
and cannot be reimbursed.
• When a skilled professional donates her/his professional services and/or equipment use on
an RTP project, s/he must submit a donation letter to the grantee accompanied by an invoice
outlining the normal costs for those professional services. The labor rate should not exceed
prevailing wage charges listed in the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics guide
(https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_stru.htm) and the equipment use should not exceed
the prevailing rates outlined in FEMA’s Schedule of Equipment Rates
(https://www.fema.gov/assistance/public/schedule-equipment-rates). The rates for labor
should not include payroll additives or overhead costs. If this method is used, the donation
letter and invoice must be included. The value of donated professional services can only
count toward match and cannot be reimbursed.

2.6 Conditional Project Elements
Certain activities related to trail projects may be allowable in certain situations, but not allowable in
other situations. Below is a list of common project elements which are allowable under specific
conditions, but not allowable in others. Since this list is not exhaustive, please contact a Grants
Specialist if you have specific questions.
• Condemned Land: RTP legislation prohibits using RTP funds for condemnation of any
kind of interest in property. An RTP project may be located on land condemned prior to
trail planning and RTP application that was condemned with funds from other sources.
However, it is not permissible to use the value of condemned land toward the match

Page 9 of 28
requirement.
• Design and Engineering (D&E) costs: Costs incurred developing the construction documents,
bid package, environmental or cultural evaluation, or permits may be counted as part of the
overall project cost. Projects intended solely for covering Design and Engineering costs,
including environmental evaluation and documentation are not permissible. However,
reasonable environmental evaluation and documentation costs, including costs associated
with environmental permits and approvals, may be included as part of an approved project’s
Design and Engineering costs. Design and Engineering costs listed within an RTP budget
may not exceed 15% of the total grant value.
• Within a Road Right-of-Way: Convict (inmate) labor is not permitted on projects within a
road right-of-way, unless performed by persons who are on parole, supervised release, or
probation, consistent with (23 U.S.C. 114(b)).
• Railroads: RTP projects may be located within or along railroad rights-of-way if trail users
will not traverse on or between railroad tracks and if adequate safety measures are
implemented in coordination with the railroad owner/operator.
• Pre-Agreement Expenses: Limited pre-agreement project planning and environmental
review costs may be eligible for match, so long as they occurred within 18 months prior to
the Project Agreement being executed and are properly documented. These items must be
pre-approved by GADNR. Time spent preparing the project application is not eligible.

2.7 Items Ineligible for Reimbursement or Match
Items that are not directly associated and essential for the completion and execution of a project
are generally ineligible for reimbursement or match. Since the number of potentially ineligible
items is space-prohibitive to list in this manual it may be helpful to contact a Grants Specialist for
verification prior to incurring such costs. Examples of ineligible costs may include:

• Routine Trail Maintenance: Includes work that should be conducted on a frequent basis to
keep a trail in its originally constructed serviceable standard. Routine maintenance work is
usually limited to minor repair or improvements that do not significantly change the trail
location, width, surface, or trail structure.
• Deferred Maintenance: Includes repair of trail damage/degradation that could have been
prevented through proper routine trail maintenance.
• Feasibility Studies or Planning Only Projects
• Lighting: Lighting along the trail and/or at trailhead facilities is not eligible.
• Landscaping: Landscaping along the trail and/or around trailhead facilities is not an eligible
expense. This includes, but is not limited to, grassing, beautification plantings, and plant
restoration. Mitigation planting as part of a permit condition is not considered landscaping.
• Force Account: Neither the cost of Grantee labor nor the value of use of Grantee owned
equipment may be reimbursed or considered match.
• Law Enforcement Related Expenses
• Roads: Funds may not be used to build or improve roads for passenger vehicle use.
• Overhead: The regular operating expenses such as rent, building upkeep, utilities, insurance
and fixed costs associated with a business, agency or group.
• Indirect Costs: Only direct costs that can be identified specifically with a final cost objective
directly related to the trail project are eligible.
• Interpretive Signage: Signs that are interpretive in function are not eligible. Separate RTP
education grant applications may be available for interpretive signs.
• Budget Contingencies: Contingencies included as budget line items are not permitted.
• Legal Fees

Page 10 of 28
• Food or Beverage: No food or beverage purchases are allowable with RTP, even food and/or
beverage provided to volunteers.
• Tools and Equipment: Hand tools, power tools, and large machinery are not eligible.
• Administrative Costs: Administrative, grant management, construction management, and
project management costs are not eligible for reimbursement or for match.
• Sidewalks or Paths Along Roads
• Maintenance of Equipment
• Tracks: walking/running tracks, whether around a sports field(s), within a park, building,
or some other facility, are not eligible for RTP funding.

2.8 Buy America
Buy America requirements apply to steel and iron permanently incorporated in a project funded by
RTP when the total value of the materials or equipment exceeds $2,500. The provision requires
these materials be melted and manufactured domestically and that documentation is obtained to
verify Buy America compliance. These provisions apply to all materials and equipment permanently
incorporated into the project, regardless of whether the items are acquired and paid for with grant
funds, matching funds, or donated to the Grantee as part of the RTP match. It is important to remain
up-to-date on any changes that may occur with the Buy America provisions. More guidance can be
found at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/construction/cqit/buyam.cfm.

2.9 Air Quality and Water Quality
Both state and federal legislation related to air quality and water quality may apply to trail projects.
It is the responsibility of the Grantee to obtain relevant permits and keep their project in compliance.
A Grants Specialist can help find relevant contacts at the Georgia Environmental Protection Division
(EPD) if you have specific questions.

2.10 Extensions and Changes of Scope
Extension Requests
Grantees may request timeline extensions if the project is expected to exceed the Trail Completion
Date. Generally speaking, extensions will be limited to no more than an additional 90 days.
Extensions shall be considered at the discretion of GADNR and FHWA. All formal requests will be
reviewed by GADNR and FHWA. Extension requests shall be made no fewer than 90-days prior to
the established Trail Completion Date. If the extension request is granted, the Grantee must sign an
Amended Project Agreement.

Change of Scope
Grantees may request to change the scope of the original project. All formal requests will be
reviewed by the GADNR and FHWA. Changes of Scope outside of the original area of environmental
review are not permitted and the Grantee will need to withdraw from the current grant and may
choose to apply as a new Applicant during a future grant cycle for this work. Change of Scope
requests must be made prior to the Trail Completion Date and prior to the commencement of the
amended work. If the Change of Scope request is granted, the Grantee must sign an Amended
Project Agreement.

GADNR will make every attempt to submit requests to FHWA, although FHWA schedules may not
allow for immediate review. For this reason, Grantees should give serious consideration to such
requests in order to minimize project delays.

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Note: It is critical that Grantees understand that expenses, donations, or in-kind materials or
services may be ineligible for consideration before an approved extension or Change of Scope
request is mutually signed and tendered by GADNR. Incurring these costs prior to an approved
extension will be done at the Grantee’s own risk.

2.11 Types of Projects
• Construction of new recreational trails
o This category includes construction of entirely new trails, expansion of trails and
new linkages between existing trails.
o This category may include construction of new trail bridges.
• Restoration of existing trails
o This may be interpreted broadly to include any kind of restoration, rehabilitation, or
relocation, not to included routine maintenance or deferred maintenance.
o This category may include rehabilitation or replacement of trail bridges or providing
appropriate way-finding signage along a trail.
• Lease of equipment directly used for construction or rehabilitation of trail
o On the ground equipment for completing trail work.
o Vehicles used for transportation, such as trucks, ATVs, side-by-sides and
snowmobiles are not eligible. Equipment cannot be used for activities other than
trail work, such as patrol or law enforcement.
• Development & rehabilitation of trailhead facilities for recreation trails
o This can include parking/staging areas for trails including items like restrooms and
trail information kiosks (interpretive signage not allowed) specifically for trail users.
o RTP funds cannot be used for facilities intended for general park usage. Trailhead
facilities like parking areas and restrooms should be intended serve only trail users.
• Acquisition of easements and property for recreational trails or corridors
o RTP legislation prohibits condemnation of any kind of interest in property.
Therefore, acquisition of any kind of interest in property must be from a willing
landowner.
• Water Trails
o The definition of recreational trail in the RTP legislation includes nonmotorized
“aquatic or water activities.” Examples of water trail projects include access points
for canoes/kayaks or trailhead facilities near such access points.

2.12 Education Grants
RTP allocates limited funds for education that promotes trail safety and environmental protection.
Education projects must have a direct relationship with an existing recreational trail. Projects can
include education programs and/or production of trail-related educational materials (whether for
information displays, print, video, audio, interactive computer displays, etc.). Education grants are
applied for separately from other trail projects and potential applicants should consult with a Grants
Specialist before applying.

2.13 Control
Adequate control must be established by a Grantee over any land (public or private) to be
improved and/or developed with RTP grant funds. Control is generally understood to mean
ownership, lease, easement, or use agreement. There should be not less than 25 years of control

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remaining at the time of project closeout. Control and tenure must be confirmed by a fee title, lease,
recorded easement, or similar documentation.
An application submitted by an entity other than the property owner must include a signed
Statement of Landowner Support in the Pre-application phase. Note: A Statement of Landowner
Support is a document of the Applicant’s own creation and uploaded into the application. The
Applicant must identify all outstanding rights or interests held by others on land upon which the
project is proposed. A signed letter explaining control and tenure and an Affidavit of Ownership (No
template available. This document is to be procured by the Applicant) must be submitted for all
projects.

Land managers maintain discretionary management responsibilities as needed to keep the project
property open, accessible, and safe for public use for no less than 25 years following the Trail
Completion Date.

2.14 Long-term Obligations for Grant Recipients
It is important for potential Grantees to understand long-term obligations that are associated with
this program. The following are key requirements:

• Grant recipients must retain legal control and oversight of the property via ownership or
lease.
• RTP funded projects must be open to public access for all for at least 25 years.
• Nonmotorized trails supported with RTP funds may NOT be converted to motorized trail
use during this 25-year period.

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Section 3: Application Process
3.1 Grant Application Process
RTP Pre-applications will be accepted in 2023 as a competitive application process followed by an
invitation only Second-level Application process.

The road to securing RTP funding begins with the completion of the online Pre-application. It is in
this initial phase that the Applicant shares their basic data, contact information, project scope,
answers administrative and qualitative criteria questions, and supplies required project
documentation needed by GADNR to review and rank each project. Once GADNR staff reviews and
ranks all completed Pre-applications, the Georgia Recreational Trails Advisory Committee and
Georgia Board of Natural Resources will be briefed about the Pre-applications and rankings.

The GADNR selected projects will move forward to an invitation only Second-level Application. It is
in this stage that the Applicants supply a more detailed level of information than what was
submitted in the Pre-application. They also submit required environmental reviews, as well as
various legal documents. GADNR staff will review all Second-level Applications to verify
completion. Second-level Applicants who successfully complete all requirements, submit all
necessary Second-level documents by the deadline, and receive final clearance from FHWA will
receive funding.

GADNR will inform all Second-level Applicants of the completion and acceptance of their full
application. After attending a mandatory Financial Workshop, Grantee will mutually sign a Project
Agreement with GADNR and will receive a Notice to Proceed signifying the completion of the
application process.

Note: Only upon the receipt of a Notice to Proceed may the Grantee move forward with their
project. Beginning work prior to the Notice to Proceed will result in the loss of the grant.

3.2 Pre-application Process
The Pre-application is the initial stage of the funding application process. Since RTP is a competitive
program, the Pre-application serves as the basis for selecting which projects advance towards
approval. It is primarily comprised of weighted grading criteria, leading to an accumulated total
score after review by GADNR.

Note: Pre-applications submitted after the deadline cannot be considered for funding.

Specific direction on how to satisfy these requirements are contained within the Pre-application
itself. A direct link to the Pre-application can be found at www.gadnr.org/rtp.

All eligible Pre-applications must include:

• Responses to each of the Pre-application evaluation criteria

• Pre-application Authorization Letter – This official letter will demonstrate support and
authority to submit a Pre-application, signed by the ranking authorizing representative of the
entity (Commission Chair, Sole Commissioner, Mayor, etc.). It must be on official letterhead, be
signed by the hand of the previously mentioned authority, and acknowledge:

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-the specific name of the proposed trail project;
-that this a reimbursement grant program;
-the project will be completed within the proposed grant term;
-that the Applicant is committed to their specific budgeted financial match amount (20% or
greater of the overall project costs) as stated in the Pre-application.

• Photos of the site with photo key – Photos of areas proposed for RTP funding. An unofficial
map of the project site must be included showing the relative location of each photograph
taken, each location to be numbered corresponding to the photograph’s number, and an arrow
pointing in the direction of viewing from the photographer’s perspective.

• Project Location Map – A unofficial map depicting the relative location of the project site to
local towns and cities. GADNR staff will utilize this map in order to visit the project site for
inspections. Web-based maps will suffice in being the basis for this map. The following are
minimal criteria for an acceptable Project Location Map:
o Project and applicant names
o Project site address AND exact GPS coordinates
o Major highway designations & street names immediately surrounding/leading to site
o North Arrow or Compass Rose

• Current copy of deed, lease, and/or easement as applicable

• Plat/Parcel map and legal description – A legal depiction of the property, able to be legally
defended. Typically, these can be acquired through a county tax office.

• Signed statement from landowner expressing support (if the Applicant and owner are not the
same) – A legally defensible document that demonstrates the landowner’s support for the
project in its entirety.

• Acquisition (if any form of acquisition is needed for this proposed project) - Applicant should
describe how the acquisition process will coincide with construction or rehabilitation plans
and address what steps have been taken to ensure that the acquisition does not prevent the
project from being completed in a timely manner. Include such items as:
o Completed appraisal
o Preliminary Title Report
o Level 1 or higher Environmental Assessment
o Proof of willing seller or donor

• Detailed Site Plan/Conceptual Plan – This document will be uploaded in Criterion #1. This is a
visual representation of the proposed project. All elements receiving RTP funding should be
conspicuously identifiable on the plan. If any included elements would not be part of a RTP
grant, they should be labeled as such. Any prominent features, such as rivers, streams, roads,
densely forested areas, etc., should also be represented. Be sure to include:
o Site plans (before and after),
o Project plans, and
o Elevations.

• Generalized Cost Estimate – This document will be uploaded in Criterion #2. This document
shall include all categories of expenditures, detailed enough to reflect the types of materials and

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expenses anticipated for reimbursement. Only items and values on this budget will be
considered for reimbursement.
Note: This is a downloadable template found in the application portal. This specific form must
be completed and uploaded into the application portal. Other budget forms can be included as
additional details, but this form must be included.)

3.3 Pre-application Definitions
Applicant Address: The main point of contact’s (defined below) address where the applicant can be
contacted regarding application questions.

Applicant’s Chief Elected Official or Agency Head: Lead official who has authorized and will approve
this project on behalf of the applying entity. For local governments this is often a mayor, sole
commissioner, or county commission chair; other local titles may apply. For agencies led by a non-
elected professional, this may be a director or other position.

Applicant Name: Legal name of the government entity requesting funding.

County: County or counties where the trail work will occur.

Federal Identification Number: The Federal ID is a requirement of RTP financial services division
before any payments can be made to Applicant. The ID must belong to the Applicant and not a
separate parent or umbrella organization.

DUNS Number: The DUNS number is a requirement for federally funded contracts and grants. The
DUNS number is a unique nine-digit identification number for each of your unique physical
locations. If you do not have a DUNS number for the proposed site, they are free and can be applied
for at https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/.

Main Point of Contact: This is the individual who represents the Applicant/Grantee throughout the
grant process from Application to trail completion and is tasked with managing all inbound and
outbound communications between the Applicant and GADNR. In some cases, this may be someone
other than the person completing the application. Duties may be delegated within the Applicant’s
organization, although the Main Point of Contact must remain constant, as practicable as possible.

Project Cost Information: Complete the Project Budget Worksheet by adding individual budget
items.

Project Narrative: Provide a description of the proposed project. Responses are limited to 250
words. Will not be included in scoring procedures.

Project Title: Unique name placed on your project, which will remain the same throughout the life
of the project. This name must stay consistent throughout the process and cannot be changed.

3.4 Pre-application Evaluation Criteria
Compliance
While no points will be awarded for the compliance issues, GADNR has identified a number of
important compliance criteria which are required for a project to be considered. All projects must
meet or exceed the appropriate guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

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GADNR evaluates Applicants with active and previously awarded grants through GADNR to verify
they are in full compliance with federal and state programs. Successful completion of projects in a
timely and efficient manner is an important goal of the RTP grant program. An Applicant’s past
performance in effectively managing federal or state government grants, and successfully
completing grant funded projects, are important factors in evaluating performance and compliance.
The proposed project must be wholly within the boundaries of the State of Georgia and the
applicant must be a Qualified Local Government, state agency, or federal agency.
1) a. Is the Applicant on schedule with any and all active GADNR administered grant projects?
1) b. Is the Applicant following applicable guidelines for current GADNR grants AND/OR did
the Applicant follow all applicable guidelines for past projects?

2) a. Is the Applicant a Qualified Local Government (according to the Georgia Department of
Community Affairs), an agency of the State of Georgia, or a federal agency?
2) b. Is the proposed project entirely within the boundaries of the State of Georgia?

3) Is the proposed project compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Guidelines?
GADNR Accessibility Form is required and will be uploaded with Criteria #4.

Criterion #1 - Project Scope
GADNR promotes outdoor access throughout Georgia. Trails are a crucial way for Georgians to
access and enjoy the outdoors. Include the scope of your trail, including all trail elements.
Explain why you are building this trail. How will this proposed trail enhance outdoor access and
outdoor recreation?

The uploading of the site plan is required. A site plan is a diagram or map showing the planned
trail, along with all trail elements and any relevant landscape, topography, structures, or other
features. May be professionally prepared or informally prepared at this stage.

Project can be awarded up to 30 points.

Criterion #2 - Project Planning

Projects which have undergone a more advanced level of planning are more likely to be
successfully built within the required timeframe of 24 months or less. Describe your project
planning to date. How will this work be completed? What permits will be needed and what
permits have already been obtained?

The uploading of a project timeline and project cost estimate are both required.

Project can be awarded up to 20 points.

Criterion #3 – Statewide Trail Needs

Applicants are strongly encouraged to develop project applications that meet Georgia trail
priorities. Project proposals addressing recreational trail development/management issues
identified at the statewide level will be given priority points. The following criteria were
developed by GADNR in consultation with the Georgia Trails Advisory Committee.

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Water Trail Access Projects
Issue 1. Need for increased funding to provide public access along water trails. Describe how this
project will create more public access to established water trails in Georgia?
Issue 2. Need for environmental responsibility at water trail access facilities. Describe how the
design, construction, and long-term impact of the water trail access facilities will be
environmentally responsible.
Issue 3. Need for more signage along water trails (directional/distance markers, safety, & level of
difficulty). If this project will include additional signage, describe all new signage planned for this
project, including at trailhead(s) and along the water trail.

Other Nonmotorized Trail Projects
Issue 1. Need for new trails connecting public places. If this project will build new trail
connecting public places, places of interest, and/or towns, describe the specific public places that
will be connected and what trail users are anticipated to do at those locations.
Issue 2. Need for trail rehabilitation/restoration. If this project will restore an existing trail,
describe the trail’s past, why it needs restoration, and the future plans for this trail.
Issue 3. Need for more trail signs (directional/distance markers, safety, & level of difficulty), on
new trails or existing trails. If this project will include additional signage, describe all new
signage planned for this project, including at trailhead(s) and along the trail.

Project can be awarded up to 30 points.

Criterion #4 – Accessibility

While compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a minimum for funding, trail
design and the construction of trail head facilities can go beyond the minimum guidance and
exemptions to provide meaningful outdoor access to all Georgians. If your trail is designed with
enhanced accessibility, describe how it will exceed minimum expectations under the ADA.

Georgia DNR Accessibility Form, while an unscored compliance document, will be uploaded with
this criterion.

Project can be awarded up to 10 points.

Criterion #5 – Long-term Maintenance and Management of the Trail

Maintaining trails in good and sustainable condition is a top priority for all trails across Georgia
and is a necessity in order to keep trails that receive grant funding open for at least 25 years.
There are a variety of ways to plan for the future in order to maintain trails.

Does your community have an approved Trail Maintenance Plan? If yes, include that document.

Do you have dedicated funding for trail maintenance? This may be demonstrated through a
formally adopted a resolution for trail maintenance, permanent staff conducting trail
maintenance, and/or civic organizations committed to perform trail work through a long-term
documented formal partnership? If yes to any, include documentation.

To receive points in this criterion, you will be required to upload supporting documents.

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Project can be awarded up to 30 points.

Criterion #6 – Local Support & Regional Needs

Is this specific trail or trail system identified as a need in a currently adopted regional or local
planning document? This may include a comprehensive plan or recreation master plan, county
or regional master plan, trail system plan, capital improvements plan or land use/management
plan adopted by the appropriate authority.

If so, please upload the relevant sections of that document and provide the name of the plan, date
it was adopted, and the authorizing body that adopted the plan.

If this trail or trail system is not part of an existing planning document, you will be provided with
the option to upload documents that demonstrate other forms of public involvement in planning
for this trail.

Project can be awarded up to 10 points.

Criterion #7 – Demonstration of Public Financial Support

Does this project have financial support from beyond your government in the form of cash
commitments and/or in-kind pledges of materials, professional services, and/or volunteer
hours? This may come from local businesses, civic organizations, private citizens, or other
governments. These financial commitments must be reflected in the cost estimate uploaded for
Criterion #2.

Letters of support containing financial commitment are required to be uploaded if points are to
be earned.

Project can be awarded up to 10 points.

Criterion #8 – Economic Development Opportunities

We know from national studies and surveys that trail-related trips provide economic benefits to
local communities. What specific economic benefits can your community gain from this trail
project?

Project can be awarded up to 10 points.

Criterion #9 – Leverage of Grant Funds

Congress requires that grantees pay for at least 20% of the total project cost. Additional points
are awarded for applicants who commit to providing more than 20% project match. What match
percentage is your agency committed to providing for this grant?

Project will be awarded 5 points for a match commitment from 21-29.99%.
Project will be awarded 10 points for a match commitment from 30-39.99%.
Project will be awarded 15 points for a match commitment from 40-49.99%.
Project will be awarded 20 points for a match commitment of 50% or higher.

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Criterion #10 – Recent Recreational Trails Program Grants

Has your agency received a Recreational Trails (RTP) Grant from GADNR in the past ten years?

Project will be awarded 20 points if the Applicant has not received a RTP grant from GADNR in
the past ten years.

Criterion #11 – Other Criteria

Trail surfaces that are finished with a pervious or semi-pervious surface reduce rainwater runoff
and receive additional consideration. What surface material(s) will be used for this trail?

The use of qualified Youth Service and Conservation Corps, when possible, are a priority for
projects funded with Federal Highway Trust Fund money. If you are using a Youth Service or
Conservation Corps, uploading a copy of the contract is required.

Trails currently designated as part of America’s National Trails System
(https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationaltrailssystem/index.htm) will receive additional
consideration.

Project can be awarded up to 10 points.

Attachments
Remember to include all relevant attachments to support responses above. A complete listed of
related documents can be found in Section 3.2 of this manual.

Point Potential for Recreational Trails Program Project Applications

Ranking Criteria Max Points
1 Project Scope 30
2 Project Planning 20
3 Georgia’s Statewide Trail Needs 30
4 Accessibility 10
5 Long-term Maintenance and Management of the Trail 30
6 Local Support & Regional Needs 10
7 Demonstration of Public Support 10
8 Economic Development Opportunities 10
9 Leverage of Grant Funds 20
10 Recent RTP Awards 20
11 Other Criteria 10
TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS 200

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3.5 Second-level Application Process
Applicants with selected Pre-applications will be invited to submit a Second-level Application. The
Second-level Application serves as a mechanism in gathering more detailed project elements,
detailed surveys and reviews, and items that only apply to applicants who qualify for funding.
The project depicted in the Second-level Application must match the way it was depicted in the Pre-
application. Items submitted in the Pre-application may not be updated or amended, as they were a
significant contributor to the competitive nature of invitations sent to Second-level Applicants. If
any questions arise, please contact a Grants Specialist for assistance.

Second-level Applications shall contain the following additional items. Specific direction on how to
satisfy these requirements are contained within the Second-level Application itself.

• Resolution – A resolution adopted by the governing entity of the Applicant authorizing the full
application, committing all funds required to complete the proposed project, committing to a
minimum of the specific matching funds proposed by Applicant in the Pre-application, and
acceptance of agreement terms.

• Approvals to cross a public highway or a public utility right-of-way (if applicable)

• Property Boundary Map – This map shall depict the official boundary, as committed to by the
Applicant, that shall be considered the Project Site. All RTP funded elements must reside
within the Property Boundary Map. It should include the boundaries of the area of potential
effect and projects of all funded elements. For acquisitions, it is the entire parcel(s) receiving
RTP funding.

• Detailed Site Plan/Conceptual Plan – This may be an artist’s or engineer’s rendering and visual
representation of the proposed project. All elements receiving RTP funding should be
conspicuously identifiable on the plan. If any included elements would not be part of a RTP
grant, they should be labeled as such. Any prominent features, such as rivers, streams, roads,
densely forested areas, etc., should also be represented. Be sure to include:
o Site plans (before and after),
o Project plans, and
o Elevations.

• Detailed Project Budget– This budget shall include all items depicted in the Cost Estimate
submitted during the Pre-application stage, although a higher level of detail is required. It
should show units of measure/piece count estimates, cost per unit, proper names of materials,
etc. Only items and values depicted on this budget will be considered for reimbursement.
Note: This is a downloadable template found in the application portal. This specific form must
be completed and uploaded into the application portal. Other budget forms can be included as
additional details, but this form must be included.

• Project Description and Plans – This is a detailed narrative describing the entire scope of the
project, including location, acreage, purpose, need, and all RTP funded project elements.

• Project Implementation Schedule – A schedule outlining the timeline and occurrence of each
major project milestone, no greater than 24 months.

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• Environmental Review documents – These documents and required environmental screenings
are required for RTP funding. The environmental review ensures that the proper due diligence
is invested in ensuring that the impact upon any site as a result of an RTP project is in
accordance with RTP guidelines. A list of required environmental documents and reviews is
referenced in Section 3.6 of this manual.

3.6 Environmental Review Requirements
The environmental review process is a key component of this program. It requires that all
Applicants consider the impact that their project may have upon Georgia’s natural resources.
Documentation of compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other federal
environmental laws, regulations, and Executive Orders must be provided as part of an authorized
project under federal law. FHWA procedures in 23 CFR 771 applies to RTP.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 was created to ensure federal agencies
consider the environmental impacts of their actions and decisions. NEPA Section 101(b) states “it is
the continuing responsibility of the Federal Government to use all practicable means, consistent
with other essential considerations of national policy” to avoid environmental degradation,
preserve historic, cultural, and natural resources, and “promote the widest range of beneficial uses
of the environment without undesirable and unintentional consequences”.

Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act is required regardless of where your
project is located (federal, state, county, city, or private land) because RTP is federally funded.
FHWA will not approve funds for individual projects until NEPA requirements have been met. The
list below is subject to change based on changes in state and federal law and/or procedure.
Consulting agency reviews to be completed by GADNR on behalf of the applicant:
• Wildlife Resources Division (WRD)
• State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
• various Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs)
• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
• Floodplain Encroachment Review (EPD)
• United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

If it is determined that the project will need further environmental review or study of any kind, it is
at the expense of the applicant and will not be eligible for RTP funding. The review or survey
expense may be eligible as match, so long as it occurred within 18 months prior to the Project
Agreement being executed and prior to Trail Completion Date.

Environmental concerns apply even after a Project Agreement has been signed. If at any time during
the project, potential archaeological materials, priority habitats, and/or species of concern are
found during a ground disturbing activity, stop work immediately and contact GADNR’s RTP office.
If on federal lands, also contact the Federal Land Manager.

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Sections 4: Grant Recipient Requirements
4.1 Grant Term
Grantees will have a stated Trail Completion Date in their Project Agreement. This date will be no
more 24 months from the date when the Project Agreement is executed.

Note: Any variance or extensions must be requested via a Project Agreement Amendment or
resubmission (see Section 2.10) and approval through the FHWA and GADNR.

Start Date: Once an executed Project Agreement is in place, Grantees will be issued a Notice to
Proceed which authorizes work to begin.

Trail Completion Date: Projects must be completed by the Trail Completion Date as stated in the
signed Project Agreement. No additional costs may be incurred after the Trail Completion Date.

Closeout Period: Grantee has up to 30 days after the grant’s Trail Completion Date to submit a final
Progress Report and competed Reimbursement for Request. Denote each as “Final.”

4.2 Reporting Requirements
The following reports are required for projects:
• Quarterly Progress Reports
• Requests for Reimbursement
• Detailed Pre-closeout Summary no less than 180 days before the Trail Completion Date
• Final report once the project is completed

Quarterly Progress Reports
Once a Project Agreement has been signed, the Grantee shall report to GADNR on the progress of
the project, on a quarterly basis as follows:
• Period beginning January 1, ending March 31: Report is due April 30.
• Period beginning April 1, ending June 30: Report is due July 31.
• Period beginning July 1, ending September 30: Report is due October 31.
• Period beginning October 1, ending December 31: Report is due January 31.

Grantees are required to submit quarterly reports to GADNR to ensure that GADNR is aware of the
project’s progress. The progress report summarizes the work accomplished to date, any issues that
may be arising with the project, an estimated percentage of project completion, and an estimate of
funds to be expended over the next quarter. Photos or other documents are required in
communicating the status of your project. A Quarterly Project Report is required even if no work
was completed during that quarter.

Reimbursement Requests
Payment of grant funds is on a reimbursement basis. Accurate and comprehensive documentation
of project costs is critical. Applicants will be required to submit to GADNR a Reimbursement
Request and detailed documentation (e.g. proof-of-purchase, proof-of-payment, etc.) prior to
reimbursement.

Reimbursements are based on eligible direct costs incurred during the development of the project.
Refer to Section 2 for further instruction. Only those approved costs that are incurred after the

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Project Agreement date, and up to the Trail Completion Date can be reimbursed. Eligible costs are
further explained in Section 2. Contact a Grants Specialist for more information about eligible and
ineligible costs which may not be covered in this publication.

Grantees may request reimbursements at any time, although it is recommended that requests are
submitted at least once a year. A lack of Reimbursement Request within a twelve-month timeframe
may be deemed an inactive grant and funding from FHWA may be revoked. Quarterly Progress
Reports must be up to date in order to submit a Reimbursement Request. GADNR will generally
make payment within 30 days of receiving a correctly completed Reimbursement Request with all
applicable supporting documentation. Reimbursement Requests are based on actual project
expenditures that align with the Grantee’s Project Agreement, including the approved project scope
and budget.

Adequate supporting documentation for all expenses is required with each request, as applicable,
including but not limited to:
• Proof of payment, including payment for match items
• Invoices
• Donation and in-kind documentation
• Documentation of procurement/bidding process
• Construction Contract
• Bid Tabulation
• Photos (as needed)

GADNR may request additional supporting documentation to process a reimbursement as needed.

Partial Billings:
A partial billing is considered to be a request made before the project is completed. Total partial
billings may not exceed 75% of the total grant amount. The final 25% is held as retainage and
should be requested by the Grantee in the final request.

Final Reimbursement Request:
A final billing is made when the project scope of work is completed, all required documentation has
been submitted and approved, a successful Final Inspection has been conducted, and the project is
open to the public. Grantees must submit a final Reimbursement Request.

Public Information:
All information and documentation submitted to GADNR is open to public review. GADNR requires
that confidential or sensitive information, including home addresses, social security numbers, and
bank account numbers be redacted from documents submitted to GADNR. This applies to bank
account numbers included on copies of checks.

Proof of Payment:
Payments are made on a reimbursement basis. Grantees must use a verifiable payment method and
submit proof of payment for all project expenses with each request. Proof of payment may include a
ledger or transaction report generated on the Grantee’s bank statement, or a cancelled check.
GADNR will not reimburse for payments made in cash or without all requested documentation, as
these methods do not provide a verifiable audit trail.

Documenting Goods and Services:

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Grantees must retain and submit a copy of the original invoice(s) or receipt(s) for all goods and
services purchased for the project. All goods and services must be directly related to the approved
scope of work.
Documenting Donation of Items, Services, Materials, or Supplies:
Donations are third party contributions provided at no cost. Items, services, materials, and supplies
are considered donated when they are provided by a third-party organization at no cost to the
grantee. You must retain a copy of the invoice and a letter from the organization acknowledging the
donation and its value.

The value of donated items or services must be included in the Detailed Project Budget. The value of
donations cannot be reimbursed, cannot include items previously purchased with RTP funds, and
cannot be reported on more than one grant. To be counted towards a project’s match, donations
must be supported by a detailed log or third-party donation statement.

Documenting Donated or Volunteer Labor:
Donated labor is time provided by a person without compensation. Labor donations are valued at
an hourly rate of pay, excluding taxes, benefits and overtime. Refer to Section 2.5 for volunteer or
donated labor rates. Volunteer or donated labor must be recorded on the Georgia RTP Volunteer
Labor Timesheet; alternate documentation cannot be accepted. Volunteer hours applied toward
RTP project match cannot be applied to any other grant or financial match program.

Documenting Vendor Discounts:
Normal vendor discounts and sales cannot be counted towards the match. However, discounts can
be counted when provided to you from a vendor specifically for the RTP project. Discounts can be
used as match if the following is provided:

• Invoice that clearly shows the retail price and discount provided and
• Letter from the vendor that states they have provided a discount as a donation for this
specific RTP project and including the valuation of the discount.

Documenting Donated Real Property:
An appraisal from the time of acquisition may be used to document matching value, so long as the
appraisal and acquisition occurred within 18 months prior to the Project Agreement being signed.
Strict adherence to Yellow Book standards is required. The Uniform Appraisal Standards of Federal
Land Acquisitions (UASFLA), commonly referred to as the “Yellow Book,” must be used to prepare
appraisals for acquisitions, or donations if used for a federal match. Budgeted costs of appraisals to
these standards are eligible project costs. GADNR does not provide this service. Additional guidance
can be found at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/real_estate/uniform_act/property_valuation/.
Acquisition of any kind must be from a willing landowner as RTP legislation prohibits
condemnation of any kind of interest in property.

4.3 Procurement
For contracts valued at or above $25,000, grantees are required to seek and document a
competitive bid process. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Disadvantaged Business
Enterprise (DBE) policy applies; for USDOT’s most up-to-date DBE guidance, please visit
https://www.transportation.gov/civil-rights/disadvantaged-business-enterprise/dbe-guidance. If
you believe you have a rare exception to the bid requirement, for instance the use of Qualified
Youth or Conservation Corps or sole source, you must contact GADNR prior to signing the contract.

Page 25 of 28
Grantees must follow their own internal required vendor/contractor bid and procurement policies
currently in place for contracts valued at less than $25,000. If change orders could potentially
cause a contract that was signed under $25,000 to rise above that threshold, you must contact
GADNR prior to signing the change orders.

4.4 RTP Rules and Regulations
Compliance with Law: Grantee shall comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations,
executive orders and ordinances applicable to the Agreement or to implementation of the Project,
including without limitation 23 USC 206 and ORS 390.980 which makes funds available for the
purposes of RTP. Key regulations include, but are not limited to:
• 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements
for Federal Awards2 CFR 1201
• FHWA Recreational Trails Program Interim Guidance
• 23 U.S.C. 206 Recreational Trails Program
• 23 U.S.C. 104 (h), Recreational Trails Program Apportionments
• 23 U.S.C. 106, Project Approval and Oversight
• 23 CFR 1.36, Compliance with other Federal Laws and Regulations
• 23 CFR 771, Environmental Requirements
• 23 CFR 635.410 Buy America
• 49 CFR 29, Suspension and Debarment
• Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970
• 23 U.S.C. 114(b), Convict Labor
• 29 CFR 3, Anti-Kickback (Copeland Act)
• 23 U.S.C. 113, Prevailing Wage Rate (Davis Bacon Act)

Consistency with Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan and State Wildlife Action Plan
Georgia’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) contains an inventory of
existing outdoor recreation facilities, an analysis of outdoor recreation needs, and projects that may
be implemented to address unmet recreation needs. Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) is
a statewide strategy to conserve populations of native wildlife species and the natural habitats they
need before these animals, plants and places become rarer and more costly to conserve or restore.
Georgia’s SCORP and SWAP are extremely important documents which have great relevance to the
Recreational Trails Program. These publications play a critical part in understanding the priorities,
needs, and direction of our efforts in conservation.

Grantee Responsibility
The Grantee bears all responsibility for the administration and success of their project, including
performance by third parties under sub agreements made by the Grantee for accomplishing project
objectives.

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Section 5: Grant Closeout
Grant closeout signifies the completion of the project. GADNR will ensure all agreed-upon work, as
described in the Project Agreement, and administrative actions have been accomplished by the
Trail Completion Date. Any discrepancies will be returned to the Grantee to be remedied.

Final payment will not occur until all required documents have been approved by GADNR to ensure
all aspects of the grant contract have been met and a successful Final Inspection has verified all
aspects of scope and expenditures are available on the trail.

Within 30 days after the Trail Completion Date, both administrative and financial closeout of the
grant must occur. During this period, the following documents are due to GADNR before it can
approve and process final payment.

5.1 Final Report and Reimbursement Request
The final Quarterly Progress Report and the final Reimbursement Request must be submitted to
GADNR within 30 days of the project completion date. These documents serve as notice that the
Grantee has completed the project in compliance with applicable regulations. The Final Report will
be completed on the Quarterly Progress Report form and include:
• Marked as “Final Report”
• Indication that the project is complete, accessible, and open to the public in accordance with
the approved Project Agreement/Amended Project Agreement
• Photos of the completed work
• A final Reimbursement Request that shows a full account of all expenditures and match
• For acquisitions only - An updated property deed with required protective language and
recording stamp.

5.2 Final Inspection and Project Review
GADNR staff will inspect all completed projects. The Final Inspection must be conducted after all
trail work is completed and the trail is open to the public. No costs can be incurred after the Final
Inspection, whether for reimbursement or for match. Grantee should have someone present at the
Final Inspection who is knowledgeable about the project. Sometimes the Final Inspection reveals
items that need to be addressed. Corrective actions must be documented and an additional
inspection by GADNR staff may be required. Final payments will not be made until final
documentation is received and approved, and the project has been inspected and verified as
complete.

Following the Final Inspection, GADNR will perform a Final Project Review, which may include but
not be limited to:
o Audit of all paperwork submitted by the Grantee for accuracy and completion;
o Audit of all expenditures against the total project budget;
o Audit of all previous reimbursements and requests;
o Verification of a total match submitted by the Grantee; and/or
o Final site inspection conducted by GADNR Staff

Once GADNR determines that all requirements of the grant have been satisfied, retainage will be
dispersed to the Grantee per the Project Agreement. If total expenditures are less than anticipated,
and payment of the full retainage amount would create a shortfall of the Applicant’s match, GADNR

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will adjust the payable retainage amount accordingly. In any instance where an overpayment of
either reimbursement or retainage is realized, the Grantee is required to refund an amount
equivalent to the overage to GADNR.

Once a project has been closed, remaining funds are deobligated and GADNR cannot make
additional payments. Budget amendment requests submitted to GADNR in an effort to utilize
surplus funds shall not be considered for approval. Only those items as submitted in the original
budget are eligible for reimbursement, per the Project Agreement.

5.3 Publicity
Grantees must make every effort to acknowledge and publicize GADNR’s participation and
assistance with the project. Acknowledgement of participation shall be conspicuously placed at the
project location for public viewing. Grantees may incorporate acknowledgements onto existing or
new signage at the project location. The GADNR logo, which shall be included in this signage, is
available at www.gadnr.org/rtp.

Additionally, if any property receiving RTP funding is, or will be, posted on a recipient’s web page, it
should also acknowledge and publicize the program’s participation and assistance with the
property.

5.4 Retention Requirements
Grantees are subject to a GADNR audit of their project file. Grantees must retain and keep accessible
all books, documents, papers, and records that are directly related to the RTP project for a
minimum of five years following the close of the RTP project. These documents include but are not
limited to:
• Reimbursement Requests and Progress Reports
• Invoices and receipts
• Copies of payments
• Procurement documentation
• Donation logs and statements
• All books, records, documents, data, & other materials relevant to grant.

The records must support all project-related costs reported to GADNR and be made available upon
request. If any litigation, claim or audit is started before the project documents are removed from
the entity’s records, Grantees must keep the records until all litigation, claims or audit findings
involving the records have been resolved.

The information in this manual is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as
the only source of information governing the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). Potential changes
to the policies and procedures herein may be necessary to properly administer the program.
GADNR personnel will attempt to assist Applicants in satisfying changes in criteria and
requirements as they occur.

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City of Stockbridge
MEETING DATE
AGENDA ITEM
OCTOBER 30, 2023 FUNDING SOURCE
X RESOLUTION GENERAL FUND
ORDINANCE FUND BALANCE
CONTRACT APPROVAL/RENEWAL SPLOST or TSPLOST
PUBLIC HEARING ARPA
PRESENTATION GRANT
BID SELECTION/AWARD HOTEL/MOTEL TOURISM
TASK ORDER COUNCIL INITIATIVE
CHANGE ORDER PARTNER/SPONSOR
BUDGET AMENDMENT DEPARTMENT FUND BALANCE
BUDGET TRANSFER BONDING
PAYMENT APPROVAL ACCOUNT TRANSFER FROM:
OTHER ACCOUNT TRANSFER TO:

PRESENTER: Community Development Staff - R. Ryan Anderson

DEPARTMENT: Community Development
ITEM/PROJECT/EVENT:
2024 CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ADOPTION. A Resolution to consider a request for adoption of the City
of Stockbridge's Comprehensive Plan 5-year update. Applicant:City of Stockbridge. The Comprehensive Plan supports five goals
established by the state of Georgia pursuant to Official Code of Georgia Annotated §50-8-1 et seq, as outlined in tie Rules of
Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Chapter 110-12-1, Minimum Standards and Procedures [or Local Comprehensive
Planning in the areas of economic development, natural and historic resources, community facilities, housing and land use.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
This project is an update of the CIty of Stockbridge 2038 Comprehensive Plan. The State of Georgia Department of Community
Afffairs (DCA) requires that local government updates the Comprehensive Plan every five years to maintain its status as Qualifying
Local Government. DCA requires it to be adopted by the CIty of Stockbridge on or beofore October 31. After October 31 the CIty
would technically be out of compliance with QLG status. This does happen sometimes because of scheduling.

APPROVALS: CITY MANAGER___________________________ FINANCIAL IMPACT N/A
CITY TREASURER____________________________________ AMOUNT $
CITY ATTORNEY____________________________________
GRANTS ADMIN.___________________________________ ATTACHMENTS:
ITEM/PROJECT/EVENT:
2024 CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 5 YEAR UPDATE. A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON
9-11-2023 by MAYOR/CITY COUNCIL.

State Law requires that the Comprehensive Plan is updated every five years to remain responsive and relevant to
changing conditions, the Rules require that a five (5) year update to review growth indicators and to provide for the
preparation of a report of findings and recommendations for changes to the Comprehensive Plan.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

APPROVAL

Staff Signature______________________________

CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
2024 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Steering Committee
Elton Alexander, City Council District 5 (Elected Official)
Decius Aaron
Kim Allonce, Economic Development Director
Raoul Clarke
Nickol Dodson
Jeremy Goodwin
Amish Patel
Michael Reis
Kellie Russell
City of Stockbridge Staff

Frederick Gardiner, City Manager
Ryan Anderson, Interim Director, Chief Planner
Linda Logan, Senior Planner
Kim Allonce, Economic Development Director
Gordon Linton, Planner

Prepared by:
Atlanta Regional Commission Staff

Keri Stevens, Project Manager Prepared by the
Shima Khodagholi, Planner
Tan Nyman, Intern

Adopted October 30, 2023

3 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary 5
Chapter 1: History and Background of
Stockbridge 8
Chapter 2: Who We Are: Data,
Demographics 18
Chapter 3: Community Engagement 37
Chapter 4: Community Vision
and Goals 40
Chapter 5: Community Work Program 55
Chapter 6: Report of Accomplishments 62
Appendix

4 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
One of the most impactful responsibilities of local government is planning – a word used to describe
how a community shapes and guides growth and development. This update of Stockbridge’s
Comprehensive Plan offers the opportunity to look beyond the execution of the day-to-day City services
and consider where the City wants to be in the next five-years and the necessary steps to achieve that
vision.

The most recent Comprehensive Plan for the City of Stockbridge was adopted in 2019. The Georgia
Department of Community Affairs mandates every City to provide an update to the Comprehensive Plan
every five years to maintain the Qualified Local Government (QLG) status of the City and continue to
receive funding for projects within the City.

This document has been shaped by combined efforts of the City Council, City Staff, stakeholders and
active public participation and delves into the current advancement of the City and makes efforts to yield
prospective opportunities for the City.

Stockbridge’s Comprehensive Plan includes:

• Issues, Needs, and Opportunities
• Community Vision, Goals, and Policies
• Population
• Housing
• Economic Development (Broadband)
• Transportation
• Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources
• Land Use
• Community Facilities and Services
• Community Work Program
• Report of Accomplishments
• Appendix-Supporting Resources

5 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
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7 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
HISTORY AND
CHAPTER 1
BACKGROUND OF
STOCKBRIDGE
ABOUT THE CITY
STOCKBRIDGE: PAST AND Adair, bought a tract of land about a mile south of Old
Stockbridge and offered it for sale at a reasonable price. It
PRESENT was here that the railroad built its depot and present day
Stockbridge began its existence. Stockbridge officially
INCORPORATION incorporated as a town in 1895 and as a City on August 6,
Stockbridge’s history provides an important backdrop to 1920. The depot which was located about 600 feet north of
understanding how and why Stockbridge has developed as it what is now North Henry Boulevard as you cross the bridge
is today. While the City didn’t officially incorporate until in Stockbridge, was eventually destroyed by the Southern
August 6, 1920, its history began when the area was settled Railway around the early 1980s.
in 1829 with the establishment of Concord Methodist
Church near present-day Old Stagecoach Road. It was later,
in 1847, when the name Stockbridge was decided on with DEVELOPMENT
the granting of a post office. It is believed that the City’s Much of Stockbridge’s development took shape with the
namesake was a traveling school teacher, Professor Levi construction of the state’s interstate system beginning in the
Stockbridge. area in the late 1960’s. As commuting to and from Atlanta
became easier, Stockbridge began developing into a bedroom
In 1881, the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia Railroad community of the Atlanta Metro Region with suburban
was built from Macon to Atlanta and was to pass through shopping centers and housing developments taking shape to
“Old” Stockbridge, but the settlers who owned the land accommodate the growing population.
around Old Stockbridge were asking high prices. Instead, two
prominent Atlanta citizens John W. Grant and George W.

1847—Stock- Present Day—
bridge 1920— Stockbridge has
was named for Stockbridge evolved into a
Levi Officially suburban
Stockbridge. Incorporates a community.
City.

1881— The 1960’s—
train Construction of
depot located in the interstate
what is present system begins in
day Stockbridge.
Stockbridge.

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9 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
BACKGROUND
PREVIOUS PLANS JOINT HENRY COUNTY/CITIES
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
IMAGINE HENRY:
The Joint Henry County/Cities Solid Waste Management
2040 JOINT HENRY COUNTY/CITIES Plan was adopted in 2008 to address the Minimum Planning
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Standards and Procedures set forth by Georgia DCA and
document the waste collection and disposal capacity. The
The 2040 Joint Henry County/Cities Comprehensive Plan,
plan notes that the City of Stockbridge provides curbside
“Imagine Henry,” was adopted in 2018 as an update to the
pickup for yard trimmings (including boxes, non-metal
2009 Joint Comprehensive Plan to update long-range
furniture items, mattresses and box springs, leaves and yard
planning priorities and align existing priorities with updated
debris, chipper runs, limbs and branches, metal grills, bikes,
policies, data, and work program items.
appliances, etc.) and solid waste for residents and has
developed a contingency strategy in the event that solid
The plan seeks to affirm the county and cities’ vision for
waste collection is interrupted for whatever reason.
future development and define their goals in actionable steps.
While representatives from the City of Stockbridge were
The plan states that solid waste is collected by several
included in the public input and participation process, this
haulers in the City (American Sanitation, Jass DBA Coverall,
plan does not serve as the City’s guiding planning document.
B&B Disposal & Company, Morgan Auto Parts, Inc., Paul
The plan details major corridor improvements along SR 42
Mitchell, Martin Sanitation Collection, American Bi-Products
between McDonough and Stockbridge and different town
Collection aka Waste Co., Deltawash Inc., Bio-Medical Waste
center improvements funded through the Stockbridge Livable
Service, and CLM Sanitation) despite the lack of active solid
Centers Initiative.
waste landfills in Henry County; however, Stockbridge hosts
a solid waste transfer station. The plan offers several
The SPLOST list outside of this study is included in the
recommendations based on existing waste reduction efforts,
Appendix.
including an enhancement of Stockbridge’s curbside recycling
program.

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10 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
HENRY COUNTY TRAILS PLAN the highest walking propensity score based on land use is the
City center which also holds the City’s park assets. The plan
The Henry County Trails Plan was published in 2022 to
also identifies various other assets that could be connected
establish a framework for developing a countywide trail
through a trail system expansion, including schools, a retail
network. The plan was completed in tandem with Henry
center, and the Panola Mountain Greenway and other
County’s Transportation Plan to identify missing links in the
planned or extant trails in adjacent areas. Stockbridge’s
existing trail network for bicyclists and pedestrians as well as
immediate surroundings contain several small lakes and
identify future opportunities for expansion. The planning
reservoirs as a part of the natural amenities identified.
process identified three high-level priority projects through
detailed analysis and community consultation, referred to as
* “Model Miles” have been added to the Long-Range
“Model Miles*”, that establish the preferred alignment for
Planning section.
various trail segments, assess environmental conditions and
concerns, and visualize the future of the trail system. To
facilitate rapid implementation, the plan provides a catalog of
funding opportunities, implementation guidelines, and
branding tools for promotional materials. Specifically, the
plan identifies Community Development Block Grants,
Surface Transportation Block Grants, Carbon Reduction
Program funds, Recreational Trails Program funds, Highway
Safety Improvement Program funds, Land and Water
Conservation Fund, Federal Transit Administration funds,
the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank, and the
ARC’s Livable Centers Initiative as potential funding sources,
along with local set-asides from municipal funds and
SPLOST/TSPLOST revenue.

The plan’s analysis reveals that, despite Henry County sitting
slightly higher than the median household income for the
Atlanta MSA, Stockbridge hosts one of two census blocks
with the highest percent of households in poverty (along SR
138 near Flippen Road). The areas in the City with the
highest concentration of households below the poverty
threshold also correspond with the areas with the highest
percent of zero-car households. Nonetheless, the area with

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11 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
DOWNTOWN RESIDENTIAL AND but there is still a retail gap of $138.4 million.
• Historic downtown Stockbridge should focus on
RETAIL MARKET ANALYSIS-2022 restoration, revitalization, and new in-fill residential and
Selected Key Takeaways: mixed-use construction. Enough market demand exists
• The City of Stockbridge remains a shopping and dining to support the following businesses in the downtown area:
hub for Henry County and surrounding areas. Most Specialty Food Stores, Jewelry, Luggage & Leather Goods,
restaurant and retail development is concentrated Drinking Places/Breweries,Bookstores, Music Stores, Clothing
around the Interstate 75 exit and along Highway 23 in the & Accessories, Restaurants, and Specialty Furniture Stores.
form of strip shopping malls or stand-alone detached • Stockbridge’s housing profile consists predominantly of
buildings. single family detached homes and older small-medium
• The Stockbridge/Henry County retail submarket has an apartments with 3 to 49 units. Additional detached and
extremely low vacancy rate of 1.7 percent with only nine attached homes would better balance the City’s housing
active listings for lease in the City. This mix.
shows market demand will likely support new restaurant/ • Since 2015, Stockbridge has flipped from a community of
retail development in the future. homeowners to a City of renters with a 53 percent share of
• Low vacancy rates show that Stockbridge successfully households renting their homes. A focus on for-sale housing
navigated the pandemic and avoided much of the related is recommended over leased units.
business closures that resulted in other communities. • Stockbridge has a historically low vacancy rate. High
• Stockbridge has a retail surplus totaling $224 million and a demand and a shortage of supply create a rental market
retail leakage or loss of $65 million. This shows that outside where prices rise, housing options decrease, and
shoppers are coming into the City spend. the percentage of households that must rent grows rapidly.
• Henry County loses approximately $378.5 million in Without new housing product in Stockbridge, market
potential retail sales every year to areas outside of the demand will continue to exceed supply and foster
county. Henry County has a retail surplus of $240.1 million unbalanced housing prices.
of spending in certain categories like automobile dealerships,

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12 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
• Rental rates and income levels in Stockbridge are nearly
equalized. This means developers now have the latitude to
build more higher-end housing products than they would
have previously felt comfortable with.
• Seventy-nine percent of young professionals entering the
workforce and young families (ages 25-34) are renting rather
than buying, suggesting a lack of diversity in housing
options.
• From 2010 to 2020, the total change in housing units was
13.2 percent, which lagged the 24.3 percent rise in
population. Housing supply has not kept pace
with demand in Stockbridge.
• Based on the largest income segments in Stockbridge, the
ideal rental rate range for new apartments is between $1,250
and $1,750 per month or more.
• In the next five years, housing demand will require an
additional 800 residential units (306 of which are already
under construction. By 2040, Stockbridge will need 1,700
new residential units to meet demand.

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13 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
ATLANTA REGIONAL FREIGHT Henry County is noted several times throughout the plan for
its community transportation assets and importance to
MOBILITY PLAN UPDATE regional freight competitiveness. Particularly, the plan notes
that the growth of logistics facilities in Henry County reflects
the county’s important location between Atlanta and
The Atlanta Regional Freight Mobility Plan Update was
Savannah, Georgia’s two major freight hubs. Indeed,
released in 2016 to create a roadmap for regional projects
McDonough/Henry County is listed as one metro Atlanta’s 7
that extend beyond the 6-year TIP period defined in the
regional freight clusters for intensive freight activity with 13
Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). The plan serves as an
percent of the region’s warehouses and distribution centers at
update to the 2008 Atlanta Regional Mobility Plan published
the largest average size per facility (nearly 543,000 square
by the Atlanta Regional Commission and focuses on
feet) of any cluster twofold. The plan identifies 32
frameworks for freight planning efforts in the metro area.
warehouses and distribution centers, 14 manufacturing firms,
The plan’s stated goals were to enhance metro Atlanta’s
and 9 vacant industrial properties that are concentrated
regional competitiveness through efficient, reliable, and safe
mostly along the SR 155 corridor with additional industrial
freight transportation and to maintain quality of life for local
development along King Mill Road/Industrial Boulevard, US
communities through minimal environmental or community
23, Thoroughbred Road, Westridge Parkway, and Avalon
impacts.
Parkway, among others. Due to its location and industrial
activities, the McDonough/Henry County cluster is also one
The 2016 update builds upon the original plan by assessing
of three prominent truck trip end locations in metro Atlanta
it against contemporary conditions and forecasts, updating
based on truck GPS data. However, I-75 in Henry County is
the plan based on new policy at the federal, state, and local
stated to have very poor reliability in terms of buffer time
levels, supporting the development of a Fixing America’s
for shipments relative to average congestion in the area and
Surface Transportation Act compliant RTP, identifying
it is likely that many trucks passing through the areas use SR
projects of national, state, and regional significance, and
155 in order to access I-75 and get to other parts of the
defining strategies and initiatives for successful project
metro area. Indeed, the plan notes that the McDonough/
investment. ARC conducted stakeholder interviews with
Henry cluster contains a mix of poor performing segments,
representatives from organizations/agencies in the private and
such as SR 155, with some relatively high performing
public sector, including the Henry County Development
segments, such as GA-20. The plan also identifies freight-
Authority, to identify freight needs and challenges from a
related projects in Henry County as a part of the RTP and
first-hand perspective. Findings from these interviews
TIP. Specifically, a new interchange on I-75 near Bethlehem
revealed concerns around traffic bottlenecks and keeping
Road is expected to relieve congestion at SR 155 and serve as
pace with demand, public safety, and mobility and
relief for the Bill Gardener Parkway interchange. Another
accessibility, as well as some concerns about the routes truck
project is expected to widen US 23 to provide additional
drivers choose to take when driving around the area.
roadway capacity parallel to I-75 and I-675.

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14 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
HENRY COUNTY Xpress commuter bus routes that service different park-and-
ride facilities. The Stockbridge facility is noted as being
TRANSPORTATION PLAN: 2022 frequently over parking capacity because of the high demand
UPDATE for commuter services and Route 432, which connects this
The Henry County Transportation Plan was last updated in facility to downtown Atlanta, boasted the highest ridership of
2022 as a part of the ARC’s Comprehensive Transportation any route in the Xpress system in 2019. TMP identifies three
Plan program to create a framework for transportation major categories for recommendations that include
project and program implementation in the county. The programmatic improvements, capital investments, and
current update assesses existing and projected transportation performance-based transit projects. Of particular relevance to
needs through 2050 and identifies projects eligible for Stockbridge, the plan calls for a fixed bus route that services
inclusion in the Regional Transportation Plan and therefore Stockbridge to McDonough, a countywide micro transit
eligible for federal funding. Stockbridge has several areas service for seniors, a Stockbridge-based mobility hub for bus
with heavy congestion and vehicle travel, particularly along transfers, an express commuter bus directly to Hartsfield-
the I-75 corridor that anchors the county’s road network. As Jackson Atlanta International Airport, a rapid regional
such, the county is looking to prioritize and develop connector that passes through Stockbridge, and a fixed bus
additional north-south travel corridors as alternatives. The route to connect to planned mobility hub in southern
plan notes several projects intended to create additional DeKalb County.
roadway capacity in Stockbridge, including roadway
widenings along popular corridors (including I-75) and new
roadway connections, as well as operational and safety
improvements through updated arterial road facilities,
intersection improvements, and other emerging technologies.
The plan also calls for several sidewalk improvements
throughout Stockbridge, both in terms of network
connectivity and pedestrian facilities/amenities, and an
expansion of the trails system through local multiuse
greenways and side paths. To fund these projects and others
around the county, the plan identifies TSPLOST revenue as
the primary local funding source and GDOT or ARC funds
as the primary sources of funding at the regional or state
level.

HENRY COUNTY TRANSIT MASTER
PLAN

The Henry County Transit Master Plan (TMP) was published
in 2021 as a 30-year blueprint for guiding countywide transit
decision-making and address existing and future service
needs. TMP aims to achieve transit sustainability throughout
the county by providing efficient, affordable, reliable, and
environmentally friendly services that will support the health
and vibrancy of the community.

The plan notes two main transit operators: Henry County
Transit, which provides demand response service to all
county residents and piloted a fixed-route service from July
2018 until March 2020; and the ATL, which operates four

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15 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE BICYCLE, TRANSIT ASSET MANAGEMENT
PEDESTRIAN, AND TRAIL PLAN PLAN

The City of Stockbridge Bicycle, Pedestrian, & Trail Plan The ARC’s Transit Asset Management Plan (TAMP) was
(SBPTP) was published in 2017 to detail the existing bicycle published in 2020 to help establish priorities for maintaining
and pedestrian facilities and infrastructure in the City and existing transit assets and additional service provision for
identify opportunities for improvement. Specifically, the four metro Atlanta Tier II operators, including Henry
plan’s stated goals are to 1) enable residents and visitors to County Transit. TAMP details FY 2019 – FY 2022 and
safely walk, run, or bicycle throughout the City, 2) develop a includes an inventory of capital assets, condition assessments
non-automobile focused transportation system, 3) encourage for those assets, a decision support tool, and a list of priority
citizen interest and participation in bicycling and pedestrian investments (based on the findings of the decision support
activities, and 4) develop environmentally and economically tool). At the time of plan adoption, Henry County Transit
sustainable community assets. SBPTP names several existing offered demand response services to all county residents
community assets that could benefit from connecting to a alongside a limited fixed route service with two stops in
wider bicycle and pedestrian network, including Martin northern Stockbridge. The latter service ran as a pilot
Luther King, Sr. Trail, Memorial Park, Gardner Park, Clark program ran from July 2018 to March 2020 but was
Community Park, City Hall/Town Green, Reeves Creek Trail, discontinued following the outbreak of COVID-19 because of
as well as three schools in the City limits. SBPTP is the first declining ridership decline and concerns over social
comprehensive pedestrian, bicycle, and trail plan adopted by distancing.
the City and aims to develop an integrated pedestrian and
bicycle network that accommodates users across age, ability,
and modal preference.
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE STRATEGIC
PLAN: 2022-2026
According to the plan, Stockbridge’s downtown core has
many sidewalks that do not connect into the surrounding
neighborhoods or parks. Additionally, the City’s greenway The City of Stockbridge completed a strategic plan in 2022.
trail (Reeves Creek Trail) is not connected to major
community assets (e.g., parks, schools, etc.) or connected Four core strategic priorities were identified:
with other trail systems in metro Atlanta. Overall, -Quality of Life
Stockbridge’s existing bicycle and pedestrian network lacks -Economic Growth
functional connectivity between areas of the City. SBPTP -Culture and Brand Development
states that major north-south corridors lack amenities for -Sustainability
bicyclists or pedestrians and the northern half of the City
completely lacks bicycle lanes. The plan includes different Goals and actions were developed around these strategic
solutions for improving pedestrian access across major priorities and will act as a roadmap for the City.
thoroughfares (namely SR 138) and recommendations for
addressing sidewalk gaps in and between neighborhoods, as
well as connecting off-road trail systems with the nearby
Panola-Arabia Mountain PATH trail. Input from residents in
the plan reveals priorities around expanding and improving
the active transportation network, ensuring safety for
vulnerable population when expanding trails or developing
new intersections, and nurturing an active transportation
culture around health, fitness, and the environment. SBPTP
also identifies several short-term connectivity projects to be
funded primarily through SPLOST revenue.

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16 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
ATL REGIONAL TRANSIT PLAN CDBG 2022 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN:
3rd of 5 ANNUAL ACTION PLANS
The ATL Regional Transit Plan (ARTP) synthesizes transit Henry County has received federal Community Development
plans and projects across 13 counties in metro Atlanta Block Grant (CDBG) funds since 2012. The FY 2022 Annual
(Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Action Plan is the third of five Annual Action Plans
Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale supporting the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan that describes
Counties) and evaluates projects that seek federal or state the specific projects for which the county intends to utilize
funding. The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) CDBG funds. The Henry County Community Development
last published an update to this plan in 2020 with the goals Department hosted 10 Needs Assessment meetings with
of creating the primary source of projects eligible to include residents from the City of Stockbridge and neighboring cities
in: 1) ARC’s short-term and long-term transportation plans; as a part of the citizen participation process for the FY 2022
2) annual state bond packages; and 3) county-level transit Annual Action Plan. The plan states that Henry County’s
SPLOST referenda. ARTP serves as a comprehensive report of main objective in utilizing CDBG funds is to address housing
transit projects and services that aim to enhance connectivity needs for low to moderate income households and persons,
and increase mobility options in the metro area. services for individuals with special needs (including
homeless persons/households or those under threat of
Henry County is split between Districts 9 and 10, which have homelessness, the elderly, persons with disabilities, persons
48 and 40 planned, proposed, or potential projects living with HIV/AIDS, and at-risk youth), community
respectively. ATRP notes that only 6 percent of the projects in development needs, and economic development needs.
District 9 met at least half of the six criteria to be considered Specifically, the County aspires to 1) assist occupied, income-
“regionally significant” in terms of federal or state eligible households with housing rehabilitation, 2) improve
discretionary funding and only 7 percent of projects in the quality of public housing stock, 3) provide public service
District 10 met this threshold. In other analyses, ATRP notes funding to A Friend’s House and Haven House (local
that 6 percent of the projects in Districts 9 qualified as homelessness and supportive services organizations), 4)
“higher impact/lower cost” projects and 8 percent of projects support public agencies that address community development
in District 10 qualified for this designation. Additionally, one- for low-to-moderate income residents (particularly those with
fifth of the projects in District 9 expanded transit equity by special needs and extremely low incomes), and 5) improve
providing new or expanded services to/from lower income the sustainability of local infrastructure. The plan notes that
areas and 16 percent of projects in District 10 expanded CDBG funds were awarded to several non-profit agencies
transit equity similarly. To coordinate transit planning and who provided homeless prevention activities, operational
implementation, ATL partners with various city and county assistance, food banks, health services, youth services,
governments, community improvement districts, regional and domestic violence services, and child neglect services during
state planning organizations, and transit operators, including FY 21.
Henry County Transit which provides local bus and
complementary ADA paratransit and demand response
services to county residents. Another of ATL’s partners,
Xpress, also provides commuter bus services in Henry
County.

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17 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
CHAPTER 2
WHO WE ARE: DATA &
DEMOGRAPHICS
STOCKBRIDGE DEMOGRAPHICS
POPULATION
TOTAL POPULATION
DEMOGRAPHICS The population of Stockbridge has changed significantly over
OVERVIEW the past few decades. By 2020, the population increased to
28,973. Figures 1 and 2 show Stockbridge’s population
An understanding of population and demographic trends
compared to the nearby cities of McDonough and Forest
provides a foundation for comprehensive planning. In order
Park. A recent annexation, effective January 1, 2023, brought
to plan for the future, we must have a general idea of
the population to approximately 34,613 based on staff
approximately how many people will reside in the
calculations and GIS resources.
community. Understanding the characteristics of
Stockbridge’s population will provide valuable insight on the
The annexation legislation is included in the Appendix.
services, initiatives, and policies that the City may want to
further pursue.

93%*
28,973

Figure 1:POPULATION CHANGE
Data Source: US Census Bureau; Population and Housing Estimates, 2020

Figure 2: POPULATION CHANGE COMPARED TO SIMILAR CITIES
NEARBY

Stockbridge McDonough Forest Park
2000 9853 8493 21447
2010 25636 22084 18468
2020 28973 29051 19932

Photo Caption Here Data Source: US Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2020

19 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
POPULATION PROJECTIONS census data, the median age in Stockbridge is 35.7.

The Atlanta Regional Commission’s population forecasts
project a growth of 2.9 million people across the Atlanta RACIAL COMPOSITION
region by year 2050. In Henry County, population is expected The City of Stockbridge is a diverse community. Since the
to increase by roughly 61% with an anticipated 133,327 2010 census, the population percentage of white individuals
people moving to the area, and bringing the total population has decreased from 34% to 21% in 2020. The black
to 351,691. These projections further show that the majority population percentage has increased from 20% to 65%. In the
of growth in the County will occur in the northern part of 11-county region 34% of the population is black while 54% is
the county and in close proximity to the I-75 corridor. With white. As growth continues to occur, the diversity of
the City’s positioning as the gateway into Henry County and backgrounds and changing needs of the population will likely
straddling the interstate, Stockbridge can expect to see an continue to evolve.
increase in its total population over the next 20 years.

AGE DISTRIBUTION
The population age distribution is relatively even with the
largest segment being from 35-39 years of age at around 10%
followed closely by the 10-14 cohort at 8%. Based on 2020

MEDIAN AGE STOCKBRIDGE 2020

35.7
Data Source: US Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2020

20 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
Figure 3: RACIAL COMPOSITION 2010 AND 2020
Stockbridge 2010 Stockbridge 2020 11-County Region 2020

White
21.4%
Black or African American
33.5%
65.1%
Indian and Alaska Native
53.6% 33.5%
Asian
53.6%
Native Hawaiian and Other
Pacific Islander

0.2% Some other race
0.2% 0.3%
8.7% 6.7%
0.1% 0% 0.1%
3.4% 0.7% Two or more
3.4%
2.5%

Data Source: US Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2020

ISSUES, NEEDS AND
OPPORTUNITIES
The below population-related issues, needs, and opportunities
were identified through existing conditions analysis and
community input.

• Stockbridge’s affordability and proximity to Atlanta make
it an attractive area to locate within the Metro Atlanta
area. As the region continues to grow, the City of
Stockbridge has the opportunity to attract and retain
Photo
youngCaption Here
adults and families.
• As the diversity in backgrounds, age, and race continues
to evolve, the City needs to continue to balance the
differing needs of its demographic groups.
• The City needs to manage development that occurs with
future population growth so as not to diminish the small
town community feel that existing residents enjoy.
• Annexation continues to be a priority in Stockbridge. The
City has the opportunity to conduct an annexation study
to identify the impact of annexing certain areas.

21 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
STOCKBRIDGE HOUSING
ARC developed the Metro Atlanta Housing Strategy (MAHS)
in 2019 to identify regional housing issues and provide a
roadmap for communities to address their housing needs.
The MAHS categorizes most of the City of Stockbridge as
Submarket 7 (61%), or suburban neighborhoods with
lower-to-moderate-priced housing, with the biggest increase
in renters. This is followed by Submarket 5 or suburban
neighborhoods along employment corridors.

Submarket 7 (Regional)
• Greatest increase in the proportion of renters; of the added
renter households since 2010, more than 2/3 were into single
family.
• Greatest decline in net ownership, having lost more than
14 thousand owner-occupied units since 2010.
• The home sale price increases in this Submarket area are
slightly below the regional average.
• Second largest increase in poverty among the Submarkets.

Top Strategies for Submarket 7
• Preserve Affordable Supply
• Promote Housing Stability
• Develop Leadership & Collaboration on
Affordability
• Increase Supply

Figure 4: METRO ATLANTA HOUSING STRATEGY

22 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
Figure 5 shows that renter occupied housing increased
significantly in Stockbridge from 2010 to 2020. In contrast,
vacancy rates in Stockbridge’s have decreased from 13% to
5%, which is close to the regional percentage of 3%.

There has been an increase in all housing types except for
1-unit attached and 5-9 units categories. Single-family is still
the predominant housing type at 58%. The most significant
increase is in the 10-19 unit developments which saw a 62%
increase. Since 2020 (effective Jan.1, 2023) there has been a
significant annexation and a number of new projects
approved and under construction which will provide
additional supply and options.

Figure 5: HOUSING TENURE
Vacant Vacant Vacant
13% 1,356 5% 5,029 3% 201,707

52% 6,107 34% Renter Occupied 1,679,079
31% Renter Occupied 3,246 Renter Occupied
63% 128,068

55% 5,729
Owner Occupied 43% 555 Owner Occupied
Owner Occupied

2010 2020 11 County Region
Data Source: US Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2010 & 2020

Figure 6: HOUSING TYPES MIX CHANGE 2010-2020
1,269
1000 6,789
6,835 2,052
Data Source: US Census
889
Bureau; American
Community Survey, 2010
800 & 2020
692

606 623
600
379 391
400 375

272 189 217
226
200
93
54 71
0 0
0 1 1 2 3 or 4 5 to 9 10-19 20-49 50 or more Mobile Boat,
detached attached home RV, Van

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23 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
Figure 7: HOUSING AGE MIX

Built 2020 or later Built 2010 to 2019 Built 2000 to 2009
Built 1980 to 1999 Built 1960 to 1979 Built 1940 to 1959
Built 1939 or earlier

Data Source: US Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2020

The majority of housing in Stockbridge was constructed between 1980 and 1999 at 50% followed by 35% between 2000-2009.
Only 11% was constructed between 2010-2019. There is a need for new development in Stockbridge. There is also a need to
review and inventory the condition of the existing housing so that this resource can be preserved and possibly be a resource
for affordable products. Over the last 10 years the housing value has increased from $114,091.08 in 2010 to $230,987.33 in
2021, a 49% increase. This trend signals that housing prices are increasing at a rapid rate.

Figure 8 shows the income distribution by owner vs renter. Figures 9 and 10 outline what owners vs renters are spending on
housing. 60% of renters are spending between $1000-$1499 compared to 33% of owners.

Figure 8: 2020 Household Income Distribution
Household Income Distribution
$150,000 or more

$75,000 to $99,999

$35,000 to $49,999

$20,000 to $24,999

$10,000 to $14,999

Less than $5,000
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800
$230,987.33
Household income distribution Renter Occupied
Household income distribution Owner Occupied
2021

Data Source: US Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2010 & 2020

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24 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
Figure 9/10: Housing Costs Owner vs Renter
Data Source: US Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2020

ISSUES, NEEDS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
The below housing-related issues, needs and opportunities were identified through existing conditions analysis and
community input.

• Stockbridge’s housing is relatively affordable compared to the region, but the trend in the increase in housing prices
should be monitored.
• While Stockbridge has seen some diversification in housing types there is still a need for additional options and price
points. This is especially important to accommodate both traditional and non-traditional households as well as to attract
young professionals, and serve seniors. Options could include tiny houses, duplexes, townhouses, and other models.
• The City undertook the “Downtown Residential and Retail Analysis Report” in 2022. With the recent annexation, the City
should update the document to represent and account for the new City boundary, residents, and businesses.
• Since the majority housing was built between 1980-1999, a review of the existing conditions could highlight deferred
maintenance and other needs to preserve older, existing neighborhoods that may provide more affordable housing.

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25 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
STOCKBRIDGE ECONOMICS
According to the most recent available data from the Federal City officials should consider pursuing state certification as a
Communications Commission (FCC) and the Georgia Broadband Ready Community or designation of facilities and
Broadband Center, <1% of households and businesses in developments as Georgia Broadband Ready Community Sites.
Henry County were unserved by broadband as of 2021. The Broadband Ready Community Designation demonstrates that
visual below illustrates that the majority of Stockbridge is a local unit of government has taken steps to reduce
served by broadband. Unserved pockets may be obstacles to broadband infrastructure investment by
representative of extensive surface parking, undeveloped lots, amending their comprehensive plan to include the promotion
or simply older developments [Figure 11- Broadband Access]. of the deployment broadband services and adopting a
broadband model ordinance. Any facility or development in
Note: Statistics are based on a fixed, terrestrial broadband Georgia that offers broadband services at a rate of not less
definition of 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up, and where the than 1 gigabit per second in the download stream to end
broadband service is available to more than 80% of locations users is eligible for the Broadband Ready Site Designation.
in a census block. Census blocks that did not meet this
definition are delineated as ‘Unserved.’

Figure 11: BROAD BAND ACCESS

26 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
Photo Caption Here
Figure 12:MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME CHANGE 2010-2020
$58,522
$55,522

MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
$58,401
Data Source: US Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2010 & 2020

Stockbridge’s median household income has risen by 5% to $58,401. By comparison, the median household income in Henry
County is $73,491. Figure 13 shows income increases/decreases by all income brackets. The largest increases are in the $25,000-
$34,999 and $100,000-$149,999. The largest percentage of people in Stockbridge have a household income of $50,000-$74,999. As
noted above, this income bracket is less than the median income in Henry County.

Figure 13: INCOME DISTRIBUTION 2010 vs 2021

Income Distribution 2010 vs 2021
$200,000 or more
$150,000 to $199,999
$100,000 to $149,999
$75,000 to $99,999
$50,000 to $74,999
$35,000 to $49,999
$25,000 to $34,999
$15,000 to $24,999
$10,000 to $14,999
Less than $10,000

0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0%

2021 2010

Data Source: US Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2020

27 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
The largest industry in Stockbridge – Healthcare and Social Assistance – provides over 22% of Stockbridge’s jobs or 2,017
positions. The largest industry among the City’s residents is also Health Care and Social Assistance, followed by Retail Trade.
Figures 14 and 15 show the breakdown.

The poverty rate in Stockbridge is slightly less than Henry County at 14.1% compared to 14.9% respectively. The
unemployment rate in Stockbridge is significantly less at 4.5% compared to 9.2% in Henry County.

POVERTY UNEMPLOYMENT
RATE RATE
14.1% (Stockbridge) 4.5% (Stockbridge)
vs vs
14.9 % (Henry County) 9.2% (Henry County)

ISSUES, NEEDS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
The below economics-related issues, needs, and opportunities were identified through existing conditions analysis and
community input.

• Participants in the open house and the online survey overwhelmingly noted that there is a lack of higher end retail stores,
grocery stores, and restaurants. The City can work with the DDA and Main Street Program to determine roadblocks to
these types of services.
• Stockbridge has a lower median income and a lower poverty rate compared to Henry County. The City can investigate the
needs of the community to obtain the skills to increase earning potential and also look at retaining and expanding local
industries and targeting identified industries.
• To remain competitive, Stockbridge has the opportunity to apply for Broadband Ready and Site designation through DCA.
This will help with redevelopment efforts.
• The City has a DDA, Main Street Program, a URA, and they are developing a business association. These groups can work
together to provide incentive options and packages for existing business as well as for recruiting new businesses.

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28 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
Figure 14: JOBS SECTORS IN STOCKBRIDGE - 2019

Figure 15: City RESIDENTS BY JOB SECTOR - 2019

Data Source: Census on the Map
29 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
STOCKBRIDGE TRANSPORTATION
Stockbridge is ideally located in close proximity to I-75 and I-675 as well as Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
This is an asset. It has also been determined that traffic patterns within the City limits are challenging with little bicycle and
pedestrian connectivity.

Almost 10,000 residents commute outside the City for work, primarily northeast and southeast, while only almost 400
residents live and work in the City. This illustrates the need to provide jobs and/training so that residents can work where
they live. 81% of residents use a car to get to work each day. The majority of those drive alone, while about 11% carpool. Few
residents use public transportation, and 5% worked from home. The mean travel time is 31 minutes to get to work. Note: This
data does not reflect the influence of the pandemic on transportation.

The data suggests that with improved transportation and economic opportunities, more Stockbridge residents could live where
they work.

Figure 16: COMMUTE IN, LIVE AND WORK IN, COMMUTE OUT

30 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
Figure 17/18:WHERE City RESIDENTS WORK/ LIVE

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31 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
The 2016 Joint Comprehensive Transportation Plan included a Transit Needs and Feasibility Study. The transit study indicated
that 79.1% of Stockbridge residents show a willingness to ride transit. Henry County Transit (HCT) has been providing
on-demand transit service. On February 12, 2018, Henry County began its fixed route transit service. Bus service runs through
the City of Stockbridge and North Henry County, and includes the following stops within the City
limits:

• Davidson Parkway
• North Henry Boulevard Walmart
• Flippen Road at SR 138
• Henry County Police Precinct (Stockbridge City location)

There are also Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) Park and Ride Commuter Lots located on the north side of
I-75 at SR 138, and at Brandsmart on Mt. Zion Parkway south of I-75/west of Lake Spivey Parkway (SR 138). The GRTA
Xpress Routes go to Midtown and Downtown. The two routes that depart from Stockbridge are among the top three in
ridership for the entire Xpress bus system, indicating that there is a need for expanded transit service for the City of
Stockbridge as well as the County.

Figure 19: COMMUTE TIME Figure 20: MODES OF
<10 minutes TRAVEL
60 mins.
10 to 14 mins. 11% Carpooled
2% Taxicab,
45 to 59 mins. motorcycle, or
other
MEAN
COMMUTE 15 to 19 mins.
TIME
35 to 44 mins. 5% Worked from
31 minutes 81% Drove alone home

20 to 24 mins.
30 to 34 mins.
25 to 29 mins. Public transportation (excluding taxicab) 0%

Walked 0% Bicycle 0%
Data Source: US Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2020 Data Source: US Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2020

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32 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
ISSUES, NEEDS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
The below transportation-related issues, needs and opportunities were identified through existing conditions analysis and
community input.

• Stockbridge’s traffic is described by most as terrible. There is a need to plan for existing and potential growth and
identify a list of priority projects.
• Stockbridge does not have connectivity across the City. The City completed the City of Stockbridge Bicycle,
Pedestrian, & Trail Plan (SBPTP) which can assist in prioritizing projects and funding.
• The City has the opportunity and partnerships with Henry County Transit and ATL Xpress to encourage alternative
transportation options.
• The City has the opportunity to limit the number access points along major corridors and implement additional
traffic calming and safety measures.
• The existing railroad route and infrastructure is a detriment to downtown development.

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33 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
COMMUNITY SERVICES AND FACILITIES

Residents of Stockbridge have access to several services and
curbside garbage collection, weekly curbside bulk removal,
facilities within the City. While recent efforts have sought to
weekly curbside bagged yard waste removal (no scheduled
bring more of these services in-house, some are still
appointment needed), weekly curbside yard waste removal by
provided through contractual agreements with Henry
appointment, and bi-weekly curbside recycling.
County.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT FACILITIES
WATER SUPPLY AND TREATMENT
The City of Stockbridge’s general government facilities and
In 2015, the City of Stockbridge won the “Gold Award”
services are centrally located in downtown Stockbridge. The
from the Georgia Association of Water Professionals for
City Hall, located at 4640 N Henry Boulevard, serves as the
maintaining 100% compliance with drinking water
primary location for citizen related transactions and services,
regulations. The City of Stockbridge provides water to
while the Municipal Court, located at 4602 N Henry Blvd,
customers located within a 3.2-square mile area in the older
provides all municipal court related services. In addition to
part of the City. This area is comprised of approximately 47
these services, the Henry County Tax Commissioner also has
miles of pipe, 4 water storage tanks, 3 wells, and
an office located at 164 Burke St in Stockbridge, providing
approximately 2,500 water service connections. Stockbridge
convenient access to vehicle tag and property tax services.
consumes roughly 850,000 gallons of water per day. Of this,
the City provides roughly half of the water supply from its
PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITIES
three wells and purchases the remainder from the Henry
Fire services are provided through a contractual agreement
County Water Authority (HCWA).
with Henry County. The Stockbridge Police Department
provides law enforcement service for the City of Stockbridge.
SEWERAGE AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT
A new public safety facility was completed recently. The
The Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) treats wastewater
Henry County Fire Department’s Fire Station Number 9,
that comes from the City of Stockbridge and is capable of
located at 122 Rock Quarry Road serves Stockbridge by
treating up to 1.5 MG/D. SOLID.
responding to fire and emergency medical service (EMS)
calls.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
The City’s sanitation services are provided by Waste
LIBRARY FACILITIES
Industries and include the following services: weekly
Library services in Henry County are provided by the Henry
County Library System. The Cochran Public Library in
Stockbridge is located at 174 Burke Street.

ISSUES, NEEDS, AND EDUCATION FACILITIES
OPPORTUNITIES Public preschool, elementary,
The below Community Services and Facilities-related issues, and secondary education in Henry County is provided by
needs and opportunities were identified through existing Henry County Schools. Higher education opportunities are
conditions analysis and community input. also available within the City at the DeVry University
Stockbridge campus located at 675 Southcrest Pkwy, offering
• Stockbridge’s has recently completed the amphitheater. graduate and undergraduate studies. Additional opportunities
• A Cultural Arts Center has been identified as a need. for higher education are found within close proximity to the
• Improved parks have been identified as a need. residents of Stockbridge at Clayton State University in
• Indoor recreation activities for seniors/youth have been Morrow, Gordon University in Barnesville, and Southern
identified as a need. Crescent Technical College in Henry County.

34 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
NATURAL, CULTURAL, AND HISTORIC
RESOURCES
ISSUES, NEEDS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
The below Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources-related issues, needs and opportunities were identified through existing
conditions analysis and community input.
• Trails and greenspace are a priority for the City, as shown in the implementation plan, which is referenced in the Appendix.
• An additional of a Cultural Arts Center, as well as programing for all ages ,is needed.
• A large portion of the City of Stockbridge is within the Little Cotton Indian Creek Water Supply Watershed which is a
public water supply source for Clayton County and is classified as a small (less than 100 square mile) water supply
watershed. This resource should be protected and comply with all DNR regulations.
• There are limited historic resources left.

35 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
CHAPTER 3
COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
The Stockbridge Comprehensive Plan update process was
guided by a Steering Committee comprised of citizens,
local business owners, and an elected official, and City
staff. The Steering Committee met virtually on two (2)
occasions, providing direction and feedback at key points
in the process. There were additional opportunities for
public participation at two (2) in-person public meetings
as well as a website with a plan specific survey and at two
(2) Public Hearings. Meetings were advertised through
the City’s website, a site specific website, and through
posted notices. PowerPoint presentations and associated
notices are located in the Appendix for review.
Meeting Dates:
Public Hearing #1: April 25, 2023
Open House: May 17, 2023
Steering Committee #1: June 21, 2023
Steering Committee #2: August 2, 2023
Open House #2: August 3, 2023
Public Hearing #2: August 14, 2023
Public Input Survey: Full report in the Appendix.

Timeline

Document Draft
Public Hearing Public Open Steering Deadline for
House Committee Survey Closes Public
#1 Review,
Meeting #1 Hearing #2
Public Open Approval,
Website Launch House and Local
Adoption is
Steering October 31
Committee #2

Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct

Survey

2023
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37 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
STOCKBRIDGE: STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES,
OPPORTUNITIES, THREATS
S.W.O.T ANALYSIS
Through the various public input opportunities, the public and community stakeholders helped to inform the Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats that are impacting the City today.

Strengths Opportunities
The City’s location at the convergence of Interstates 75 and
The City of Stockbridge has the opportunity to capitalize on the
675 are seen as an asset to the community, allowing for easy
City’s positioning and to promote it as the gateway into Henry
access to Atlanta and Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International
County. As the Metro Atlanta region continues to grow, and
Airport. Residents participating in the online survey also
individuals are looking for areas to locate, the City’s easy access
conveyed an overall sense of community fostered through a
to the interstate system and overall affordability can attract new
family friendly atmosphere, as well as the City’s quiet and safe
residents as an appealing place to live.
small town feel as assets contributing to their quality of life.
Almost 88% of those who participated in the online survey
The City also has a URA, DDA, and Main Street Program
rated Stockbridge as having an either average or high quality
to assist with redevelopment and new development efforts.
of life.
Ample available land will allow the City and the development
community to meet the needs of the growing community.
The community features a state-of-the-art amphitheater and a
new focus on connectivity and redevelopment.

Weaknesses Threats
While the City’s location in proximity to major highways and Downtown development has been challenged by a development
the interstate system are an asset to the community, the traffic focus outside the City. Although annexation efforts associated
congestion and ancillary roadway back-ups that come with with Eagle’s Landing were not successful, there is still pressure to
this asset were identified by the community as a weakness. ensure that the City plans for eventual annexation.
Additionally, although the community expressed general
content with the proximity to conveniences to meet their daily Participants in the online survey indicated that traffic and crime
needs, the lack of diversity in quality entertainment, dining, were a major concern.
and shopping is a weakness as residents generally travel
outside of the area for these options. Furthermore, survey
responses alluded to a general lack of property maintenance
standards and crime.

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38 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
39 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
CHAPTER 4
COMMUNITY VISION
AND GOALS
OUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE
VISION: Where Community Connects

The Community Goals are the most important
part of the plan, because they identify the
community’s direction for the future, generating
local pride and enthusiasm about the future of the
community. The goals outlined in this chapter
should inspire citizens and leadership to act to
ensure that the plan is implemented.

OUR VISION FOR THE
FUTURE
OVERVIEW
Through a variety of public engagement
opportunities in this planning process and from
the last Comprehensive Plan, a consistent theme
emerged of a City excited about future potential
for growth. There is both a desire to celebrate
Stockbridge’s sense of community as well as a
desire for retail, services, and amenities that can
come with quality economic growth.

Stockbridge is a City that is an attractive place to
invest, conduct business, and raise a family. We are
a City striving to responsibly grow with a mix of
uses in our emerging, connected downtown and
neighborhoods that mix residences, parks, and
greenspaces.

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41 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
COMMUNITY GOALS
POPULATION: GOALS
AND POLICIES #1-To protect and enhance the City’s unique
qualities while embracing growth and ensuring
that all residents have access to critical services,
OVERVIEW safe and attractive neighborhoods, and good work
Implementing our vision for the future requires that opportunities.
our efforts are focused on those goals and policies #2-To determine areas appropriate for annexation.
that will have the most impact in advancing the City #3-To attract new, diverse residents.
of Stockbridge down its envisioned path. This
requires moving our vision forward in all elements
POLICIES
of the plan in a coordinated fashion. This chapter
• Maintain a family friendly environment and focus
details our goals and policies that should be adhered
to for each of the plan’s key elements. on attracting and retaining young adults.
• Develop programs to provide and maintain a safe

POPULATION environment for all.
• Encourage the development of services to allow the
An important part of Stockbridge’s future is the aging population to age in place.
quality of life it is able to offer its residential
population. During the Shaping Stockbridge Together
process in 2019 and in the current process in 2023, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOAL
“quality of life” was broadly used to capture those #1-To attract and retain high-quality and diverse
ideas outside of the key substantive elements that employers with quality of life, education, culture,
residents believe contribute to their general housing, healthcare, retail, and recreation facilities.
happiness in day-to-day life. Predominant ideas that
were heard include continued dedication to
POLICIES
improving our parks, more events, and more places
for the Stockbridge community to come together for • Support programs for the retention, expansion, and
events, activities, and entertainment – themes that creation of businesses that complement our vision for
carried throughout the planning process. There is our community and local economy.
consensus in the community that Stockbridge’s •Target reinvestment opportunities for declining,
location makes it well-suited to better serve the vacant or underutilized sites or buildings.
needs of families and aging seniors, while becoming • Market the City as a great place to do business.
better positioned to attract young professionals that
• Consider the employment needs and skill sets of our
can help contribute to Stockbridge’s livelihood.
existing population in making decisions on proposed
economic development projects.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Based on the assets and challenges identified within
Stockbridge and the needs of the target business
sectors, the recommended policies within this plan
reflect decision-making aspirations the City should
undertake to mitigate negative perceptions by site
location advisors or companies looking to invest in
Stockbridge. Additionally, the recommendations
highlight areas where the City should work with
others in the region to better leverage Stockbridge’s
location in the Atlanta metropolitan area.

42 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
HOUSING HOUSING GOALS
The foundation of the City’s housing element rests
#1-To provide a variety of housing choices to suit the
on the idea that all citizens should have housing
changing needs and lifestyles of City residents.
options available to accommodate their lifestyles,
whether they be young professionals looking for #2-To provide additional housing in the downtown
low maintenance options, growing families core.
needing space, or empty nesters looking to down
size. POLICIES
• Provide a mixture of housing options to attract
young professionals, singles, and small families.
• Work with housing developers to create appropriate
residential types to ensure that seniors can age in
place.
•Preserve and enhance older, existing neighborhoods
by promoting rehabilitation of existing housing stock
and infill of new development to revitalize established
neighborhoods.

NATURAL, CULTURAL, AND NATURAL, CULTURAL, AND HISTORIC GOALS
#1-To promote the efficient use of natural resources
HISTORIC RESOURCES and to identify and protect environmentally sensitive
The City of Stockbridge is dedicated to the and culturally/historically significant areas of the City.
preservation of natural, cultural, and historic #2-To promote the development of additional parks,
resources. Stockbridge is also dedicated to
greenspace, and trails connected to already existing
expanding trails and greenspace and providing
active and passive recreation for all. A key to the facilities.
development of the City is a new Cultural Art
Center. POLICIES
• Identify opportunities to create new trail connections
between existing parks, residential areas, and the
downtown.
• Reduce the impact of new development through the
preservation of greenspace.
• Highlight and preserve the City’s history through the
designation and promotion of historically significant
resources.

43 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
COMMUNITY SERVICES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES/ FACILITIES GOALS
#1-To make available adequate facilities and services to
FACILITIES meet the changing needs of all City residents.
Residents of Stockbridge have access to several #2-To ensure infrastructure is updated to meet the needs of
services and facilities within the City. While recent the community and promote new development in the City.
efforts have sought to bring more of these services
POLICIES
in-house, many are still provided through a
contractual agreements with Henry County. • Create an environment to encourage public-private
partnerships to create new community facilities such as
recreation centers, parks, and trails.
• Ensure community facilities are cost-effective and energy
efficient to support the needs of the residents and businesses.
• Ensure that the infrastructure and public facilities serving
new development is adequate so that new development
does not cause a decline in levels of service for existing
residents.

FUTURE LAND USE FUTURE LAND USE GOAL
The intention of the Land Use Element of a #1-To ensure that new developments promote a better
comprehensive plan is to lay out a framework and sense of place and preserve valued elements of community
vision for how a community wants to develop or character.
redevelop its land over the life of the plan. This
#2-To establish land use designations that meet the needs of
vision is often shaped and guided by other plans
that may have been created for a community, such the City and are consistent with the new UDC.
as a small area plan, a downtown redevelopment #3-To identify available land for redevelopment and work
plan, Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) plan, a with the development community on desirable development.
corridor study, or a transportation plan, among
others. POLICIES
• Encourage development of a rational network of
Future land use differs from zoning in that it may
commercial nodes to meet the service needs of citizens while
or may not reflect what is currently happening on
the land. On parcels where change is desired or avoiding unattractive and inefficient strip development
anticipated by the community and the City, the along major roadways.
future land use designation may be different from • Work with business owners/ developers to improve
the actual zoning, indicating that should the conditions of property and require a consistent look of
owner or a developer apply for a change in zoning quality among commercial developments.
or a special use permit, only certain types of uses • Encourage mixed-use development to promote a live,
and developments would be considered or
work, play concept.
supported by City staff, the planning commission,
and mayor and council. Therefore, City planning • Support increases in density where community design
staff must carefully consider the future land use standards, environmental constraints, and available
designation of a property when writing a infrastructure capacities can accommodate the increased
recommendation for a rezoning or special use density.
permit. Failure to follow the recommendations of • Create a “sense of place” for our community along our
the adopted future land use map weakens its major commercial corridors.
significance over time and prevents the community
from achieving its desired development pattern.

44 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
FUTURE LAND USE MAP AND DESIGNATIONS
The Future Land Use Map is the most important aspect of ensuring our vision and goals for land use are realized. The pages
that follow will provide a detailed description for each land use designations within the City.

Compatible Zoning: Planned Unit Development (PUD) is compatible in all districts.

STOCKB RI D GE FU TU RE L AN D U SE M AP

FU TU RE L AN D U SE
D own town D i stri ct
Low D en sity Resi den tial
M edi u m D en sity Residen tal
H igh D en si ty Resi den ti al
Special Pu rpose
Low D en si ty M i xed U se
M edi u m D en sity M i xed U se
H igh D en si ty M i xed U se
Pu blic I n sti tu ti on al
Offi ce
Ligh t I n du stri al
H eavy I n du stri al

Tran sportati on /Com m u n i cati on /U ti li ti es
Park/Recreati on /Con servati on 0 0.75 1.5 3 Miles

45 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
DOWNTOWN DISTRICT Compatible Zoning District
This designation is intended for the Downtown District, CCR, City Center Residential District
which includes the historic downtown area of the City. The
C1, Neighborhood Commercial District
Downtown District should be redeveloped in a pedestrian
friendly, walkable manner with attractive streetscapes MFR, Multiple Family Residential District
incorporating sidewalks, landscaping, lighting, and street OI, Office‐Institutional District
furniture, as well as vertical mixed-use buildings consisting DTV, Downtown Village Overlay District
of restaurants and retail at street level of two to three story
buildings, with offices or residential on upper floor(s).
The historic downtown area – bounded by Love Street to the
north; Martin Luther King, Sr. Heritage Trail/Norfolk
Southern Railroad to the east; Jim Clark Drive to the south;
and Burke Street to the west – should become a focal point
for City events as well as a day to day destination and
gathering place for the community. The buildings along
MLK Sr. Heritage Trail should be improved and maintained
as single-story buildings, while the Burke Street area should
incorporate two to three story, vertical mixed-use new
construction buildings with restaurant and retail spaces at
street level, and office or residential on upper floors. The
recommendations of the plan resulting from the Carl Vinson
Institute of Government’s Renaissance Strategic Visioning &
Planning Process should become a top priority for
implementation by the City of Stockbridge to see this area
become a viable downtown once again.

OFFICE
This designation is focused on local and regionally marketed
commercial and other nonresidential development. This Compatible
Compatible Zoning Districts
Zoning District
designation often includes stand-along retail with on-site CI, Neighborhood Commercial District
parking.
OI, Office‐Institutional District

46 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL Compatible Zoning Districts
This designation is intended for business parks, which LI, Light Manufacturing
incorporate offices along with other uses such as
OI, Office Institutional
warehouses, wholesale, research and development, printing
C2, General Commercial
businesses, self-storage units, and light manufacturing
operations. Buildings should be constructed of a variety of C3, Heavy Commercial
materials such as brick, hardi-plank siding, and stucco.
When located adjacent to residential or mixed-use areas,
large, landscaped buffers should be required. High Density
Residential developments may also serve as a transition
between light industrial, low and medium density residential
developments, and mixed-use projects.

HEAVY INDUSTRIAL Compatible Zoning Districts
This designation is intended for large industrial operations LI, Light Manufacturing
such as mining, intense manufacturing, and distribution
HI, Heavy Manufacturing
centers. When located next to lower intensity uses such as
C3, Heavy Commercial
residential neighborhoods or mixed-use developments, heavy
landscaping and large buffers should be required. High
Density Residential developments may also serve as a
transition between heavy industrial, low and medium density
residential developments, and mixed-use projects.

47 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
LOW-DENSITY MIXED USE (1-3.99 Compatible Zoning Districts
UNITS/ACRE) DTV, Downtown Village Overlay District
This designation is intended for commercial/retail areas OI, Office Institutional
along various corridors and intersections located throughout
C1, Neighborhood Commercial
the City. These areas mainly serve the residents of the
surrounding residential neighborhoods. Future development PMU, Parkway Mixed Use Overlay District
and redevelopment should maintain the community-oriented
feel of these areas, with a focus on creating small mixed-use
areas combining locally owned retail, low intensity office
uses, and apartment/condo/loft uses in two story buildings
in a pedestrian friendly environment, allowing nearby
residents to safely walk to and within them.

MEDIUM-DENSITY MIXED USE (4- Compatible Zoning Districts
7.99 UNITS/ACRE) MFR, Multiple Family Residential
This designation is intended for commercial areas located OI, Office Institutional
around major intersections, including Lake Spivey Parkway
C1, Neighborhood Commercial
@ Mount Zion Boulevard/Speer Road; Lake Spivey Parkway
C2, General Commercial
@ North Henry Boulevard; the north side of Eagles Landing
Parkway @ Village Center Parkway; and Hudson Bridge PMU, Parkway Mixed Use Overlay District
Road @ I-75. Future development and redevelopment should
focus on making these areas more pedestrian oriented. This
is characterized by mixed-use developments incorporating
mostly commercial uses with some smaller office tenants,
and medium density residential uses. This area would allow
for two to three story buildings, combining street-level
commercial/retail/office uses with second and third stories
accommodating office or lofts/apartments/condominiums.

48 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
HIGH-DENSITY MIXED USE Compatible Zoning Districts
This designation is intended for commercial areas located around PMU, Parkway Mixed Use Overlay District
major intersections, Future development and redevelopment
should focus on making these areas more pedestrian oriented.
This is characterized by mixed-use developments incorporating
mostly commercial uses with some office tenants, and high
density residential uses. This area would allow for larger then
three story buildings, combining street-level commercial/retail/
office uses with the other stories accommodating office or lofts/
apartments/condominiums.

Compatible Zoning Districts
RR, Rural Residential

LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL(1-3.99
UNITS/ACRE)
This designation is intended for typical, large lot residential
subdivision developments.

Compatible Zoning Districts

SR,Suburban Residential District
RMH, Mobile or Manufactured Home
MFR, Multiple Family Residential

MEDIUM-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
(4-7.99 UNITS/ACRE)
This designation is intended for residential developments
which include single-family, detached homes on lots ranging
from 10,000 – 30,000 square feet, including parcels zoned for
single family attached and detached homes, as well as duplex
residential developments and mobile home/manufactured
home developments.

49 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
HIGH-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (8-16 Compatible Zoning Districts
UNITS/ACRE) MFR – Multiple Family Residential
This designation is intended primarily for residential land District
uses which include multi-story condominiums and planned PMU, Parkway Mixed Use Overlay District
town developments. Small commercial or service businesses
may be permitted within these developments for the
convenience of their residents and visitors only. High
Density Residential is an appropriate transition between
mixed-use and industrial projects, and low or medium
density residential areas.

PARKS / RECREATION /
CONSERVATION
This designation includes public parks, recreation areas, and
open spaces, as well as areas to be preserved for greenway or
land conservation.

50 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
PUBLIC / INSTITUTIONAL Compatible Zoning Districts
This designation is appropriate for schools, colleges, OI, Office-Institutional
hospitals, City community and recreation centers, public
cemeteries, City buildings such as City hall, and post offices.

TRANSPORTATION / Compatible Zoning Districts
COMMUNICATION / UTILITIES HI, Heavy Manufacturing
This designation includes landfills, water and wastewater
treatment plants, power substations, rail yards, transit
facilities, and airports. These uses may be public or private.

SPECIAL PURPOSE (16.01-24 UNITS/
ACRE
This designation has been developed to allow for special,
innovative projects which could include anything from
different model residential to larger mixed use or
commercial development. All zoning is appropriate.

51 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION GOALS
#1-To enhance mobility, accessibility, and
IMPLEMENTATION environmental quality through the maintenance
The City of Stockbridge adopted its Bicycle, Pedestrian, and and expansion of transportation improvements
Trail Plan in January 2017. Created by WLA Studio, this and services.
plan includes an extensive list of roadway trail/sidewalk
#2-To enhance multi-modal connectivity
improvements; potential greenway routes; proposed facilities
outside of public right-of-way; and MLK Sr. Heritage Trail
throughout the City, specifically around the
continuation and connections. There are several projects that establishment of an extensive sidewalk system.
could be implemented by the City over the next 10 years
that would assist in expanding the multi-use trail network POLICIES
Citywide, and would encourage walking, biking, and other • Enhance the pedestrian experience by
forms of alternative transportation: expanding multi-use trail network City-wide
• Reeves Creek Greenway extension (including trailhead)
• Improve the safety and functionality of existing
• Walt Stephens Road (with coordination between Clayton
and Henry Counties to reach International Park)
roads by maintaining surfaces, widening
• Brush Creek Greenway (including tunnel under railroad) roadways, re-striping, and enhancing roadway
• Old Conyers Road (with coordination with Henry County safety features
to reach Austin Road Middle School) • Make decisions that encourage walking, biking,
• Rum Creek Greenway carpooling, and other alternative transportation
In its Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), the Atlanta choices
Regional Commission (ARC) has approved several roadway
• Design new and reconstructed roadways to
projects that will be located in or directly affect Stockbridge’s
transportation network. In July 2018, ARC announced that it
accommodate multiple functions, including
has approved funding to widen Rock Quarry Road from two pedestrian facilities, bicycle routes, as well as
to four lanes on the 2.6 mile stretch between Eagles Landing local vehicular circulation
Parkway and SR 138/US 23 (North Henry Boulevard). A 10-
foot multi-use path will also be included as part of the
widening. This project is intended to help relieve congestion
related to Piedmont Henry Hospital near the I-75
interchange.

Other projects in the RTP include the following:
• Rock Quarry Road Extension (two lanes), from SR 138/US
23 (North Henry Boulevard) to the intersection of East
Atlanta Road and Valley Hill Road (0.8 miles)
• Old Conyers Road Widening from two to four lanes, from
East Atlanta Road to Flat Rock Road (2.5 miles)

52 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
• East Atlanta Road Widening from two to four lanes, from
East Atlanta Road to Fairview Road; will include a 20 foot
raised median, five-foot concrete sidewalk on one side, and
10 foot multi-use path on other side (5.4 miles)
• US 23/SR 42 Widening from two to four lanes, from
Downtown McDonough to SR 138 (North Henry Boulevard)
(7.3 miles)
• Eagles Landing Parkway Widening from four to six lanes,
from Eagles Pointe Parkway to US 23 (North Henry
Boulevard) (2.2 miles)
• Jodeco Road Widening (at Meadowbrook Drive to Peach
Drive) and Campground Road Extension/Realignment (from
Peach Drive to Brannan Road) (3 miles)
• Patrick Henry Parkway Widening from two to four lanes
with a 20 foot raised median, from Jodeco Road to Eagles
Landing Parkway; urban shoulders will have a five-foot
concrete sidewalk and a 10 foot multi-use path on the other
side; designed to accommodate a new intersection of a new
roadway bridging across I-75 to the west (2 miles)
• New alignment of Western Parallel Connector, from
Jonesboro Road to Hudson Bridge Road, which will result in
a two-lane paved roadway with plans to improve, upgrade,
and create a future four-lane section with a median (3.3
miles)
Two of the projects from this list will include a sidewalk
and multi-use trail, which will help further advance the
community’s desire to have the option of alternative modes
of transportation to driving. While not included in the RTP,
the Jodeco-Atlanta South 160-acre mixed-use development,
proposed at Jodeco Road and I-75, would include
installation of public roads to provide access to and within
the development. These new roads are required by the
Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) as a
result of ARC’s Development of Regional Impact (DRI)
review process. The Carl Vinson Institute of Government’s
Renaissance Strategic Visioning & Planning (RSVP) Process
has identified pedestrian improvements to the bridge
spanning the rail road tracks, from Stockbridge City Hall to
connect to Historic Downtown Stockbridge. Potential,
proposed improvement options include adding sidewalks, a
multi-use path, or making the bridge accessible to
pedestrians only.

53 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
BROADBAND SERVICES BROADBAND GOAL
To ensure every citizen has affordable access to robust
The City is dedicated to preserving existing broadband
broadband services, and the means and skills to
resources and looking for ways to stay competitive.
subscribe if they so choose.

POLICY
Promote the development of broadband services by
developing specific plans and policies to promote
efficiency and equity, facilitate demand, and help to
support the social and economic goals of the City.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL GOAL
COORDINATION To cooperate with neighboring jurisdictions as well

Working with Henry County, surrounding municipalities, and as State and Federal partners to address shared needs.
State and Federal partners will facilitate planned programs and
projects. POLICIES
• Continue to seek opportunities to share services and
facilities with neighboring jurisdictions.
• Continue to work jointly with neighboring
jurisdictions on developing solutions for shared
regional issues.
• Provide input to public entities in our area when
they are making decisions likely to have an impact on
our community or our plans for future development.

GENERAL COORDINATION GENERAL COORDINATION GOAL
To establish and ensure cooperation between non-
The City of Stockbridge recognizes the importance of non-profits
and other community organizations. profits and other partners within the City.

POLICY
•Seek opportunities to partner with non-profits and
other community organizations which will widen the
participation net and make a stronger, more engaged
community.

54 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
CHAPTER 5
COMMUNITY WORK
PROGRAM
Photo Caption Here
56 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
Community Work Program (CWP)

Notes
2 2 2 2 2
0 0 0 0 0 Responsible
Action Estimated Cost Funding Source
2 2 2 2 2 Department/Agency
4 5 6 7 8
Economic Development
New-The
business
association
Establish will be
Stockbridge Assoc. named the
Planning/
of Business Stockbridge
ED.1 X X X Staff/$20,000 Economic General Fund
(Stockbridge Business
Business
Development Partnership
Partnership) which is
different
from the
ROA.

Staff
requested
that
marketing
Create a Economic Economic be removed
ED.2 X $60,000 Hotel/Motel
Development Plan Development from the
name of
this item
from the
ROA.

Conduct an Planning/
ED.3 Opportunity Zone X X X Staff/$25,000 Economic General Fund
Designation Study Development
Planning/
New: Conduct an
ED.4
X X $50,000 Economic General Funds
Annexation Study
Development
Update the
Downtown
Residential and Planning/
New: General Funds,
Retail Analysis X X $25,000 Economic
ED.5 Grants
Report to Address Development
Annexation (See
LU.7)
Pursue Broad
Planning/
New Band Ready and
ED.6 Site Designation
X X Staff Time Economic Staff Time
Development
(DCA)
Main Street
Create a Plan to Program/
Attract Higher Downtown
New Quality Development
ED.7
X X $40,000 Staff Time
Restaurants, Authority/
Grocery Stores, Planning/
and Retail Economic
Development
57 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
Community Work Program (CWP)

Notes
2 2 2 2 2
0 0 0 0 0 Responsible
Action Estimated Cost Funding Source
2 2 2 2 2 Department/Agency
4 5 6 7 8

Main Street
Create a Program/
coordination Downtown
New
ED.8
system with non- X X Staff Time Development Staff Time
profits and other Authority/
community groups Planning/Economic
Development
Land Use
Complete a
Planning/
Comprehensive Former
LU.1 X Staff/$100,000 Economic General Fund
Plan Update (5- LU.3
Development
year)
Planning/
LCI Former
LU.2 X X X X X Staff Time Economic General Fund
Implementation LU.4
Development
Park Plan
Development
Planning/Economic
(passive, active, SPLOST/General Former
LU.3 X X $1,000,000 Development/
pocket) citywide Fund LU.5
(south, west, east,
Consultant
north)

Planning / Bond
Trail Study Former
LU.4 X X X X X $1,000,000 Economic Financing/SPLOS
Implementation LU.6
Development T

LCI Update:
New: Planning/Economic
LU.5
Including Jodeco X X $150,000 General Fund
Development
Road

$100,000 (TBD General
New: Conduct a Housing Planning/Economic
LU.6
X X based on Fund/CDAP
Study Development
scope) (ARC)

58 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
Community Work Program (CWP)

Notes
2 2 2 2 2
0 0 0 0 0 Responsible
Action Estimated Cost Funding Source
2 2 2 2 2 Department/Agency
4 5 6 7 8

Update the
Downtown
Residential and
Retail Analysis
Report to Address
General
New: Annexation Planning/Economic
LU.7 including a review
X X $70,000 Funds/CDAP/Gra See ED.5
Development
nt
of affordability,
adding assisted
living, and a
smaller home
option.

Parks & Greenspace
See
Implement Phase 1 General
New: Implementa
of the Parks Master X X X $10,756,711 Public Works Funds/Grants/
PG.1 tion Plan in
Plan SPLOST
Appendix
See
Implement Phase 2 General
New Implementa
of the Parks Master X X X $7,460,554 Public Works Funds/Grants/
PG.2 tion Plan in
Plan SPLOST
Appendix
See
Establish a
New Staff Time Implementa
Recreation Services X X Admin. Dept. General Fund
PG.3 (Budget TBD) tion Plan in
Division
Appendix
See
Establish a Parks
New Staff Time Implementa
and Recreation X X X Administration General Fund
PG.4 (Budget TBD) tion Plan in
Department
Appendix
Transportation & Public Works

Roadway
Construction
General SPLOST list
Projects/Engineerin
T.1 X X X X X $3,000,000 Transportation Fund/SPLOST/Gr in the
g and ROW
Acquisition as
ants Appendix
defined in the
SPLOST LIST

Sidewalk – Repair
General SPLOST list
and Reconstruction
T.2 X X X X X $500,000 Public Works Fund/SPLOST/Gr in the
as Defined in the
SPLOT List
ants Appendix

Davis Road from
General SPLOST list
Clark Park to
T.3
Highway 42
X X X X X $610,000 Public Works Funds/SPLOST/ in the
(Sidewalks and TE/Grants Appendix
Streetscape)
59 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
Community Work Program (CWP)

Notes
2 2 2 2 2
0 0 0 0 0 Responsible
Action Estimated Cost Funding Source
2 2 2 2 2 Department/Agency
4 5 6 7 8

Road
Improvements for
SPLOST/LMI
City Project and SPLOST/General
T.4 X X X X X $5,000,000 Public Works G list in the
Streets as Defined Fund
in the SPLOST and
Appendix
LMIG Lists

Infrastructure
Improvements for
General SPLOST/LMI
City Projects as
T.5 X X X X X $7,000,000 Public Works Fund/SPLOST/Gr G list in the
Defined in the
SPLOST and LMIG
ants Appendix
Lists

Flippen Road Traffic Grant/General
New: T.6 X X X $125,000 Public Works
Plan Fund

Public
Works Staff
needs to
Investigate determine
Additional Funding Grant/General how much
New: T.7 X Staff Time Public Works
for Rock Quarry Fund additional
Road-Widening money is
needed to
complete
this project

$125,000 for
Plan and Implement
Study/ Grant/General
New: T.8a Sidewalk Plan on X X X X X Public Works
Implementatio Fund
Highway 138
n Cost TBD

Pedestrian and
Bicycle Connectivity Planning/Economic
Grant/General
New: T.9Concept Study- X X X X $150,000 Development/Publi
Fund
Implement the c Works
SBPTP

60 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
Community Work Program (CWP)

Notes
2 2 2 2 2
0 0 0 0 0 Responsible
Action Estimated Cost Funding Source
2 2 2 2 2 Department/Agency
4 5 6 7 8

Create a Patrick General
New: T.1 Henry Parkway X $100,000 Public Works Fund/SPLOST/Gra
Traffic Plan nts

Reintroduce the
Henry County
Transit Pilot Staff
Program/Work with Time/TBD Planning/Public
New: T.1 X X General Fund
Henry County Based on Works
Transit to provide Service
additional public
transportation

Create a Traffic
Grant/General
New: T12Study for Highway X $100,000 Public Works
Fund
138

Create a Walt General
New: T.1 Stephens Traffic X X X $150,000 Public Works Fund/SPLOST/
and Paving Plan Grants
Community Facilities
Complete the Planning/Economic
CF.1 X $75,000 General Fund
Splash Pad Design Development
GIS - Infrastructure
SPLOST/ General
CF.2 inventory and X X $50,000 Public Works
Fund
detailed mapping Former CF.8
Complete a Sewer –
SPLOST/ General
CF.3 infiltration and X X X $1,000,000 Public Works
Fund
inflow study Former CF.9
Construct a New SPLOST/ General
CF.4 X $3,000,000 Public Works
Maintenance shop Fund Former CF.11

Planning/Economic
CF.5 Construct a City X $160,000 General Fund
Development
Monument Sign Former CF.13
General
Planning/Economic
CF.6 Construct a Multi- X X X X $6,000,000 Fund/Bond
Development
Purpose Facility Financing Former CF. 14
Splash Pad Park Planning/Economic
CF.7 X X $1,300,000 General Fund
(Construction) Development Former CF. 17
Plan and Construct
Planning/Economic Bond
New C.8 a Cultural Arts X X X X $18,000,000
Development Financing/SPLOST
Center
61 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
CHAPTER 6
REPORT OF
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Key to Terminology: Items that are Postponed are still priorities for the
community, and have been carried over into the new
Items that are Completed have been finished within the 5-Year reporting period for this Comprehensive Plan
5-Year reporting period prior to this Comprehensive Plan Update.
Update.
Items that are Cancelled will not be carried over into
Items that are Underway have been initiated or have had the new 5-Year reporting period for this
partial progress made as of the end of the 5-Year reporting Comprehensive Plan Update. Generally, these are items
period prior to this Comprehensive Plan Update. They have that are broad policy statements or routine City
been carried over into the new 5-year reporting period for operations, and they have been identified appropriately
this Comprehensive Plan Update. as such.

Photo Caption Here
63 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
Project 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Responsible Party Funding Source Cost

ID #
Project Status Comments

Community Facilities
CF.1 Splash Pad Design Underway CF.1 on the CWP.

CF.2 Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Plans/Engineer- Complete
ing
CF.3 Water supply source development Complete 2 wells drilled, did not supply suffi-
cient water, and were abandoned
CF.4 Water main and service line replacement Complete

CF.5 Wastewater Heads Work, Phase 2 Complete

CF.6 SCADA Replacement Complete

CF.7 Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Complete

CF.8 GIS - Infrastructure inventory and detailed mapping Underway CF.2 on the CWP.

CF.9 Sewer – infiltration and inflow study Underway CF.3 on the CWP.

CF.10 Sewer reconstruction & Pump Station replacement Complete

CF.11 New Maintenance shop Underway CF.4 on CWP.

CF.12 Amphitheater Complete

CF. 13 Monument Sign Underway Concept Plan
Process-CF.5 on CWP.
CF. 14 Multi-Purpose Facility Underway Concept Plan
Process-CF.6 on the CWP.
CF.15 Public Works Facility Complete

CF. 16 Old Fire Station Renovation Complete

CF. 17 Splash Pad Park Underway CF.7 on the CWP.

Note: The Police Station was also completed during this period.

64 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
Project 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Responsible Party Funding Source Cost

ID #
Project Status Comments

Economic Development
ED.1 Establish Stockbridge Assoc. of Business Underway ED staff are working to bring back
the association after a hiatus-(to be
rebranded as Stockbridge Business
Partnership)-ED.1 on CWP.
ED.2 Create Economic Development Marketing Plan Underway Expected to be completed by
1Q2024-Marketing will be removed
from the title in the new CP Up-
date-ED.2 on CWP.
ED.3 Opportunity Zone Designation Study Underway ED staff are working on the Oppor-
tunity Zone Designation applica-
tion-ED.3 on CWP.
ED.4 Create a Citywide Marketing Plan (Rebranding) Complete City was rebranded with a new logo
and slogan.

Land Use
LU.1 Update City Code including zoning and construction Completed
codes
LU.2 Overlay District Designation Completed

LU.3 Comprehensive Plan Update Underway LU.1 on CWP.

LU.4 LCI Implementation Underway LU.2 on CWP.

LU.5 Park Plan Development (passive, active, pocket) city- Underway LU.3 on CWP.
wide (south, west, east, north)
LU.6 Trail Study Implementation Underway LU. 4 on CWP.

Transportation
T.1 Roadway Construction Projects/Engineering and ROW T.1 on CWP.
Acquisition
Underway
T.2 Sidewalk – repair and reconstruction Underway T.2 on CWP.

T.3 Davis Road from Clark Park to Highway 42 (Sidewalks Underway T.3 on CWP.
and Streetscape)
T.4 Road Improvements for City Project and Streets Underway T.4 on CWP.

T.5 Infrastructure Improvements for city projects Underway T.5 on CWP.

Photo Caption Here
65 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
CHAPTER 7
LONG-RANGE PLAN-
NING
Recent and projected growth in Stockbridge and in the Metro Atlanta region make long-range planning
for the City’s future critically important. In fact, the need for good City planning has never been greater as
Stockbridge addresses not only its growth, but also emerging opportunities, the needs and quality of life of
residents old and new, and the identity of this growing City.

The challenges and opportunities brought about by regional growth require planning beyond the five-year
period, and identifying initiatives which may not be feasible within the next five years but are long-range
planning initiatives to be considered for the next Comprehensive Planning update.

The Comprehensive Plan process over time is the mechanism to translate a long term vision into targeted
objectives for overall growth and development. The Comprehensive Plan interacts with other planning to
provide a comprehensive view to shape planning in the City for the five-year period and into the future.

The City of Stockbridge has identified four areas of Long Range Planning efforts.

These areas are to:

1) Housing: Continue to evaluate housing needs, especially a range of housing typologies including tiny
houses, senior development models, duplexes, ADUs, and others.
2) Connectivity: While the current CWP identifies ways the City will improve current conditions, as the City
grows a need to continuously reevaluate connectivity needs. This include the “Model Miles” to encourage
connectivity as well as recreation and environmental stewardship.
3) Downtown Development: The City has a number of ongoing and planned efforts for downtown develop-
ment. There are a number of opportunities and challenges that could benefit from additional incentives and
planning as new development occurs.
4) Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Development: The City plans expand recreation and cultural opportuni-
ties for all.

By focusing on both the tasks to be completed in the next five years and the over-arching goals of its long-
range planning efforts, Stockbridge will further ensure its resilience and prosperity now and in the future.

67 | City of Stockbridge 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update Atlanta Regional Commission
APPENDIX
City of Stockbridge
MEETING DATE
AGENDA ITEM
October 30, 2023 FUNDING SOURCE
RESOLUTION GENERAL FUND
ORDINANCE FUND BALANCE
CONTRACT APPROVAL/RENEWAL SPLOST
PUBLIC HEARING TSPLOST
PRESENTATION CDBG
BID SELECTION/AWARD GRANT FUNDING
TASK ORDER COUNCIL INITIATIVE
CHANGE ORDER PARTNER/SPONSOR
BUDGET AMENDMENT DEPARTMENT BUDGET
BUDGET TRANSFER BONDING
PAYMENT APPROVAL ACCOUNT TRANSFER FROM:
OTHER ACCOUNT TRANSFER TO:

PRESENTER: Decius T. Aaron

DEPARTMENT: Public Works

ITEM/PROJECT/EVENT:
SENIOR CITIZENS SANITATION FEES

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of Stockbridge recognizes that some senior citizens, especially those relying on social security or other sources of fixed
income, may find solid waste collection services to be a burden on an already overburdened budget. To support seniors in need,
the City will offer a senior discount to qualifying seniors. Qualifying seniors will receive a 75% reduction in the annual sanitation
fees for their place of residence. To qualify, seniors must: (1) Be age 70 or older; (2) Be the owner and a resident of a single-family
dwelling where the discount is requested; (3) The annual household income for the applicant’s residence from all sources does
not exceed $57,200.00. Income must be confirmed by the most recent tax return; and (4) submit income documentation to the
City on or before May 15th.

SIGNATURES: FINANCIAL IMPACT N/A
CITY MANAGER ____________________________________ AMOUNT
CITY TREASURER ___________________________________

CITY ATTORNEY ____________________________________ 1
ATTACHMENTS:
City of Stockbridge
Sanitation Collection Senior Discount Program
for Qualifying Senior Citizens

The City of Stockbridge provides solid waste collection services for residential properties within the City limits
and the cost for this service is billed on the resident’s annual property tax statement. Starting in 2024, the City
will offer a tier discount to qualifying senior citizens.
The City of Stockbridge recognizes that some senior citizens, especially those relying on social security or other
sources of fixed income, may find solid waste collection services to be a burden on an already overburdened
budget. To support seniors in need, the City will offer a senior discount to qualifying seniors.
Qualifying seniors will receive a 75% reduction in the annual sanitation fees for their place of residence. To
qualify, seniors must:
• Be age 70 or older.
• Be the owner and a resident of a single-family dwelling where the discount is requested.
• The annual household income for the applicant’s residence from all sources does not exceed 80% of
Area Median Income or $57,200.00 per year. Income must be confirmed by the most recent tax return.
• Submit income documentation to the City on or before May 15th annually.
Restrictions:
• The program is subject to availability of non-tax funds (solid waste funds).
• Should it be determined the applicant provided false information, the discount will be canceled until
the entire sanitation fees for that account are paid.
• The program is non-transferable.
• The City has the sole authority to determine eligibility.
Residents requesting the Senior Discount can do so by completing the Solid Waste Collection Senior Discount
Form and submitting it to the Finance Department along with the necessary identification and evidence of all
household income. Evidence may include social security documents, prior year tax returns, or other evidence
that clearly shows all household income.
Upon receipt of the applicant’s form and verification of the applicant’s completed application, a representative
from the City of Stockbridge will contact the applicant. The representative will review the application and may
make a site visit to confirm the information in the application is true and correct.
Affirmation
I affirm that the information provided herein, and all documents submitted to the City of Stockbridge or their
designee in furtherance of this application is true, complete, correct, and accurate. I am aware that I am
providing these documents and this information to a government entity to qualify for a discount of sanitation
fees and that providing false, fictitious, or fraudulent information to a government entity is punishable by up to
five years in prison pursuant to O.C.G.A. §16-10-20. I further understand if a discount is granted it shall only
apply for the year indicated above and in order to receive any exemption in future years a separate and new
application for exemption must be submitted.

Signature Date

Solid Waste Collection Senior Discount Form
To request the Senior Discount for solid waste collection services, please complete this form and attach
evidence of your household income, such as social security documents or prior year tax returns, and return to
the Finance Department at:
Mail: City of Stockbridge (Finance Department) E-mail:
4640 North Henry BLVD Fax:
Stockbridge, Georgia 30281
Household Information:

Name of primary contact (property owner)

Address

Phone Number Email

Household Member Name Age Annual Income

Total Household Income $

Is ownership of your residence in your name? If not, explain (additional evidence may be required):

Attach a copy of one of the following identification cards/forms as proof of age and address of the owner and
residence to this form:
⃝ GA driver’s license or ID ⃝ Medicaid Card ⃝ Other identification with age and proof of address

Attach a copy of evidence showing that all annual household income does not exceed $57,200.00:

⃝ Paystubs

⃝ Social Security benefits letter

⃝ Prior year’s tax return

⃝ Other evidence demonstrating all household income

Requestor Certification
The 75% Senior Discount is available only for seniors who both own and reside at the residence. You must be
70 or older to be eligible for the Senior Discount and the total household income cannot exceed 80% Area
Median Income ($103,500 see attached chart).
If only one of the owner/occupants of a property is aged 70 or older, you will still qualify for the Senior
Discount.
By signing below, I hereby certify that
(name of eligible senior) is both an owner and resident of the above named property; that this individual is age
70 or older; that I am one of the owners of the property and that I am authorized to file this form on behalf of
all other owners.
Further, I certify that I have attached true and correct copies of all necessary identification cards/forms and
evidence of all household income.

Signature Date

FOR CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE USE ONLY

Date Received:

Date Approved:

Approved By:

Comments:

FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2023
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM
INCOME LIMITS SUMMARY

The following table shows the Final FY 2023 Income Limits for Henry County, Georgia.

Effective: June 15, 2023
30% of Median 50% of Median 80% of Median
Persons Extremely Low Low Income Moderate
Income Income
1 $21,500 $35,750 $57,200
2 $24,550 $40,850 $65,350
3 $27,600 $45,950 $73,500
4 $30,650 $51,050 $81,650
5 $35,140 $55,150 $88,200
6 $40,280 $59,250 $94,750
7 $45,420 $63,350 $101,250
8 or more $50,560 $67,400 $107,800

Median Family Income: $103,500

NOTE: Henry County is part of the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA HUD Metro FMR Area, all information
presented here applies to all of the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA HUD Metro FMR Area.

* The FY 2014 Consolidated Appropriations Act changed the definition of extremely low-income to be the greater
of 30/50ths (60 percent) of the Section 8 very low-income limit or the poverty guideline as established by the
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), provided that this amount is not greater than the Section 8
50% very low-income limit. Consequently, the extremely low income limits may equal the very low (50%)
income limits.

Income Limit areas are based on FY 2020 Fair Market Rent (FMR) areas. For information on FMRs, please see
HUD’s associated FY 2020 Fair Market Rent documentation system.

Source: HUD User
https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il/il2023/select_Geography.odn
Senior Citizens Sanitation Discount Program Costs

Customers 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75%

100 $2,640 $3,960 $5,280 $6,600 $7,920 $9,240 $10,560 $11,880 $13,200 $14,520 $15,840 $17,160 $18,480 $19,800
500 $13,200 $19,800 $26,400 $33,000 $39,600 $46,200 $52,800 $59,400 $66,000 $72,600 $79,200 $85,800 $92,400 $99,000
1,000 $26,400 $39,600 $52,800 $66,000 $79,200 $92,400 $105,600 $118,800 $132,000 $145,200 $158,400 $171,600 $184,800 $198,000
1,500 $39,600 $59,400 $79,200 $99,000 $118,800 $138,600 $158,400 $178,200 $198,000 $217,800 $237,600 $257,400 $277,200 $297,000
2,000 $52,800 $79,200 $105,600 $132,000 $158,400 $184,800 $211,200 $237,600 $264,000 $290,400 $316,800 $343,200 $369,600 $396,000
2,500 $66,000 $99,000 $132,000 $165,000 $198,000 $231,000 $264,000 $297,000 $330,000 $363,000 $396,000 $429,000 $462,000 $495,000
3,000 $79,200 $118,800 $158,400 $198,000 $237,600 $277,200 $316,800 $356,400 $396,000 $435,600 $475,200 $514,800 $554,400 $594,000
3,500 $92,400 $138,600 $184,800 $231,000 $277,200 $323,400 $369,600 $415,800 $462,000 $508,200 $554,400 $600,600 $646,800 $693,000
4,000 $105,600 $158,400 $211,200 $264,000 $316,800 $369,600 $422,400 $475,200 $528,000 $580,800 $633,600 $686,400 $739,200 $792,000
4,500 $118,800 $178,200 $237,600 $297,000 $356,400 $415,800 $475,200 $534,600 $594,000 $653,400 $712,800 $772,200 $831,600 $891,000
5,000 $132,000 $198,000 $264,000 $330,000 $396,000 $462,000 $528,000 $594,000 $660,000 $726,000 $792,000 $858,000 $924,000 $990,000
5,500 $145,200 $217,800 $290,400 $363,000 $435,600 $508,200 $580,800 $653,400 $726,000 $798,600 $871,200 $943,800 $1,016,400 $1,089,000
6,000 $158,400 $237,600 $316,800 $396,000 $475,200 $554,400 $633,600 $712,800 $792,000 $871,200 $950,400 $1,029,600 $1,108,800 $1,188,000
6,500 $171,600 $257,400 $343,200 $429,000 $514,800 $600,600 $686,400 $772,200 $858,000 $943,800 $1,029,600 $1,115,400 $1,201,200 $1,287,000
7,000 $184,800 $277,200 $369,600 $462,000 $554,400 $646,800 $739,200 $831,600 $924,000 $1,016,400 $1,108,800 $1,201,200 $1,293,600 $1,386,000
7,500 $198,000 $297,000 $396,000 $495,000 $594,000 $693,000 $792,000 $891,000 $990,000 $1,089,000 $1,188,000 $1,287,000 $1,386,000 $1,485,000
8,000 $211,200 $316,800 $422,400 $528,000 $633,600 $739,200 $844,800 $950,400 $1,056,000 $1,161,600 $1,267,200 $1,372,800 $1,478,400 $1,584,000
8,500 $224,400 $336,600 $448,800 $561,000 $673,200 $785,400 $897,600 $1,009,800 $1,122,000 $1,234,200 $1,346,400 $1,458,600 $1,570,800 $1,683,000
9,000 $237,600 $356,400 $475,200 $594,000 $712,800 $831,600 $950,400 $1,069,200 $1,188,000 $1,306,800 $1,425,600 $1,544,400 $1,663,200 $1,782,000
9,500 $250,800 $376,200 $501,600 $627,000 $752,400 $877,800 $1,003,200 $1,128,600 $1,254,000 $1,379,400 $1,504,800 $1,630,200 $1,755,600 $1,881,000
10,000 $264,000 $396,000 $528,000 $660,000 $792,000 $924,000 $1,056,000 $1,188,000 $1,320,000 $1,452,000 $1,584,000 $1,716,000 $1,848,000 $1,980,000

Fees $264.00
