[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6656892,"mediaKeyId","5113872-424f4b4cb1b2c5f924176a7e8e4dfa1d","parentId",5113872,"title","Board reviews multiple planning and zoning matters including Pea Ridge, Grand Communities and a chiropractic rezoning","audioSeconds",2263,"startMs",5054000,"endMs",7317000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5113872-424f4b4cb1b2c5f924176a7e8e4dfa1d&start=5054&end=7317","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5113872-424f4b4cb1b2c5f924176a7e8e4dfa1d/thumbnail_5054000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6656892/Cherokee-County/Georgia/Board-reviews-multiple-planning-and-zoning-matters-including-Pea-Ridge-Grand-Communities-and-a-chiropractic-rezoning","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656892-74e717e8ab4c1cd8e852c979892d52f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770855625&Signature=ho4JAE0XeKSvNxSakVKTWw-aFkc7-HrilR4ujNcQ8K~Up~LunQgFbVyUNml3xM2FFw6fiBRqVwKVGGTFs4QcfjQBUIHzgi6V66bYAcE~amHeg5EEzqlFIm8coBJgRsM6dBo1swC568rbUiCyqyTbpo3qgI8aWf18SB~I4xABj0jXPoIz6Xx~nYgUvYLShbl0YM~lpWDf1gNvbYP1ljsSGKvx0DXhOAYH0ueENmYa7jkmI~gHoU4c5-arZEtWq8Phtq4IoIfdJNwwg3nMQQm06gY-cw~3hg5ORC5mS8tJhbV7HO~VoRY1H-ed0oCXJ1RAdWkAiiGM59WukO34wPEA6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cherokee ","date","2025-07-01T15:03:00Z","article","The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners reviewed multiple planning and zoning items at its July 1 work session, including a rezoning request for a longstanding chiropractic office, a subdivision proposal in the Pea Ridge area and a conservation subdivision on Woodstock Road.

Kelly Chiropractic (Rezoning to NC): Staff said the operator has occupied the property off Bells Ferry Road since the 1990s and requested rezoning from RM‑10 to Neighborhood Commercial (NC) to bring the existing 4,000 square‑foot office into compliance and to allow future commercial marketing. Planning staff reported the Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning and two related buffer/setback waivers. Commissioners noted the request does not change the use or site and spoke in favor of regularizing the property’s zoning.

Pea Ridge Land Investments (subdivision and variances): Benson Chambers presented a multi‑tract application that initially sought a mix of RD‑3 and RZL zoning for roughly 41 acres and asked for several variances (lot widths, reduced setbacks and buffer modifications). The Planning Commission had recommended denial of some variances. The applicant told the board he intended to convert the entire project to RD‑3, which would remove several variance requests. County staff and commissioners discussed traffic and a required secondary access; Fire Marshal staff said a gated emergency access could be acceptable if an ultimate full access is planned and timed to intersection improvements. The board directed staff to place a public hearing on the matter (applicant called for an August 19 hearing) after a revised site plan and to require a community input meeting in advance unless the board waives that requirement; commissioners indicated they would likely waive an additional community meeting if the changes are not material.

Grand Communities (R‑20 Conservation): The applicant proposed a conservation subdivision that clusters development north of Kellogg Creek and preserves the creek corridor. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the R‑20 conservation zoning but denied requested variances that would allow lot encroachments into primary conservation areas and reductions to green‑space access strips. County staff noted the conserved creek corridor is substantial and that further site‑plan work may resolve encroachment concerns. The board indicated it would likely table the case to allow the developer to refine the plan and address stream/floodplain encroachments.

Shawn Jorgenson (lot split, Land Road): The applicant requested to split a 2.3‑acre parcel into two R‑40 lots in an area where neighboring lots are nonconforming. The Planning Commission recommended denial. The applicant requested postponement to the next meeting; commissioners agreed to a four‑week postponement as a courtesy.

Ending: Several items were set for additional work, revised site plans, a public hearing (Pea Ridge) and postponement (Lot split). No final zoning approvals were recorded in the work session transcript; the Planning Commission recommendations and next steps were noted for each case.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cherokee - Board of Commissioners Work Session - Jul 01, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners reviewed multiple land‑use items July 1, including a rezoning to regularize a chiropractic office, a substantial Pea Ridge subdivision that will go to a public hearing after a revised plan, a conservation subdivision on Woodstock Road that was tabled for plan adjustments, and a requested lot split postponed for four weeks.","taxTitle","Cherokee County, Georgia","taxId",12793,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656897,"Cherokee County commissioners signal support for 1¢ T‑SPLOST as cities press for a full penny",1454,3642000,5096000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5113872-424f4b4cb1b2c5f924176a7e8e4dfa1d&start=3642&end=5096","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5113872-424f4b4cb1b2c5f924176a7e8e4dfa1d/thumbnail_3642000.jpg","/articles/6656897/Cherokee-County/Georgia/Cherokee-County-commissioners-signal-support-for-1-TSPLOST-as-cities-press-for-a-full-penny","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656897-2c0e065d55c154ffa2c932e46d671ab9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770855625&Signature=fsIiqdRLgcTVxfzBPCOEJiBNPkST3yu7rRUHGb9ZrwpnJOOjj3NH7wMIeZZk-d5T44xVf~xRuScq23-5I7ddxBGqy19C-An4GsqA6vi~pxMgyM~fKO-IPu4jRlCSIv153Y0t7GD4Y6OvxEtQ8gp5xUXdIu0IEZxDgkHCIvvRO7uSMsQ~dxj9MXlfpVlR~rpaJ6nC7QlNs49yMwDxe9ewaZl~mLMZJFc0EyLJFOVrLJpDdwsrMkE3OyVAS~5y-DIHeFio6o9RAPWEU9fSMFRzJrhOWsvxmwafyxjg7uXud2t6gsF6m0Ubv~QeeKqdTAfd6fdrAHEGOcsrtc3BzRKqtQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cherokee County commissioners discussed whether to pursue a local transportation sales tax (T‑SPLOST) during a July 1 work session, with the cities in the study area favoring a full 1¢ sales tax and some commissioners initially preferring a 0.5¢ option.

Chairman John Johnson and commissioners spent extended time weighing the tradeoffs between asking voters for a 0.5 percent or a full 1 percent sales tax dedicated to transportation projects. Johnson said cities had pushed for the full penny and that municipalities likely would be the major proponents in the upcoming election. \"The city folks all strongly propose a full percent,\" he said.

Commissioner Ragsdale and Commissioner Carter said a half‑cent had merit, in part because it is a smaller new tax burden, but both also noted practical concerns: a half‑cent would start projects but might leave many unfinished if the revenue proved insufficient or if voters declined renewal. Commissioner Carter said additional revenues from a full penny would allow completion of larger projects rather than starting many unfinished efforts.

County staff and commissioners discussed timing relative to other planned tax measures: the county must consider school SPLOST and county SPLOST renewals in upcoming years and the possibility of pursuing a HOST (Homestead Option Sales Tax) change at the state level that could shift some tax burden off property owners. Commissioners agreed to continue pursuing the HOST legislative change with their state delegation while moving forward on T‑SPLOST planning.

Several commissioners said city leaders will likely carry the public outreach and that success will rely on city participation. After debate, a majority of commissioners signaled willingness to proceed with the cities’ preference for a full 1¢ T‑SPLOST; a formal vote or intergovernmental agreement will be required later. Commissioner Carter summarized that the cities and county appear aligned and said he was \"willing\" to go to a full penny. Commissioner Wetherbee noted the timeline and that some near‑term projects could be advanced even without the full program.

Ending: Commissioners did not take a formal vote at the work session but indicated a working consensus to pursue the full 1¢ T‑SPLOST with the cities and to continue seeking HOST changes at the legislative level so homeowners could receive property tax relief in the longer term.","Cherokee County commissioners on July 1 discussed whether to place a transportation sales‑tax referendum on a future ballot and signaled support for the cities’ preference of a full 1¢ T‑SPLOST while continuing to pursue a separate HOST legislative change.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656901,"Consultants present 'Wildcat Plan' for Sixes Road/Old Highway 5 area, recommend new bridge, slip ramps and multimodal connections",1459,2249000,3708000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5113872-424f4b4cb1b2c5f924176a7e8e4dfa1d&start=2249&end=3708","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5113872-424f4b4cb1b2c5f924176a7e8e4dfa1d/thumbnail_2249000.jpg","/articles/6656901/Cherokee-County/Georgia/Consultants-present-Wildcat-Plan-for-Sixes-RoadOld-Highway-5-area-recommend-new-bridge-slip-ramps-and-multimodal-connections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656901-76761bc7ec8f50d146eb980f8f81e028/orig.mp4?Expires=1770855625&Signature=fJQy1~Sp0EmWfMuBwwkT64xzPP1lN0E4HOujVuS-AR557HWeS~rYiPAEeT7EOoT4fxUpBFiCo8GD1TpScabEq-zXsZs3ufAMKrz0lvhsAOO~VoRDjLe8YefMha0BbXGISJHfdxIDRkkbzRwt7Iz8wxjeSnzdk5v7sRgeW0YxjGlO2w30z7q~bd1Q4fXmkzZ0MDhllGpeIvj~2ZIr3EXeO~hsQcTZOVsva9rgWI0CPzt9R6yYnIY26YJAi9CpdaoiZXM82I3bTw1gjDpDnuGiZqImxsANWdmEaaCnhOW9W9SjxTp4VZGiKo-RIx~Iuldrz~WrIE-muKF22uOIvS0Ogw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Consultants from Kimley‑Horn presented the final Wildcat Plan to the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners on July 1, laying out transportation and development recommendations to unlock development potential near the Sixes Road and Old Highway 5 interchange along the I‑575 corridor.

Christina Pastor, project manager for Kimley‑Horn, said the plan grew from a year of technical analysis, stakeholder outreach and public meetings and was coordinated with the cities of Woodstock and Holly Springs and the Cherokee Office of Economic Development. \"This is an area where there has been a lot of desire to see some new development opportunities,\" Pastor said.

The study area is bounded by the Little River and Army Corps property on the south, a cemetery to the north, I‑575 to the west and a railroad to the east. The report identified existing congestion — including a current Level of Service E at the Holly Springs Parkway/Sixes Road intersection — and projected that, under a no‑build scenario, operations at multiple intersections would deteriorate over 20 years.

Key transportation recommendations:
- Realign the Sixes Road/Holly Springs Parkway intersection to improve operations. Pastor said the intersection is a high priority because it currently operates at Level of Service E.
- Widen Holly Springs Parkway and Main Street from one to two lanes in each direction with medians and turn lanes where needed.
- Create a new connection across I‑575 (NC1) north of the study area as a non‑ramp overpass, paired with slip ramps on the interstate that would let traffic access the development area without using the current Ridgewalk or Sixes interchanges. Pastor described the slip ramps as merging with arterial connections to reach the new bridge and noted the concept has been studied for geometric feasibility.
- Add several new arterial and one‑way connector links south of I‑575 and internal roadways (including extensions of existing roads) to distribute traffic to the new bridge and slip‑ramp network.
- Prioritize active transportation by adding sidepaths and sidewalks, and require green space within development sites.

Pastor said the team modeled scenarios that included both the recommended transportation network and potential development yields. The plan reduced the study-area development from initial proposals to a level the network could support and still showed intersections operating at an acceptable Level of Service (no worse than D in the modeled futures).

Cost and funding: Pastor presented planning‑level cost estimates and two inflation scenarios (3% and 5% annually) and said project costs assume preliminary engineering, environmental screening, right‑of‑way, utility relocation and construction. She suggested a mix of funding options: a local T‑SPLOST (discussed later in the meeting), state programs, Atlanta Regional Commission/GDOT funding, discretionary grants and public‑private partnerships such as a community improvement district.

Commission discussion: Commissioners asked technical questions about where slip‑ramp access would be located, how the ramps would merge with frontage roads, and the number and locations of new bridges. Pastor said the project set includes seven bridges in total (including replacements and new crossings over Little River and the railroad). Several commissioners praised the outreach and the plan as a long‑range blueprint; Commissioner Wetherbee called the plan “a good start.”

Ending: Pastor recommended adoption of the Wildcat Plan and suggested pursuing near‑term projects such as the Sixes/Holly Springs realignment, plus intergovernmental agreements with municipal partners and pursuit of funding. The board indicated support for adoption; formal action appears on the regular agenda for confirmation.","Kimley‑Horn presented the Wildcat Plan on July 1, recommending a new overpass, slip ramps from I‑575, widened arterials and active-transportation links to enable higher-value development near Sixes Road and Old Highway 5.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656908,"Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services reports steady response times, highlights staffing and SPLOST funding needs",1712,387000,2099000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5113872-424f4b4cb1b2c5f924176a7e8e4dfa1d&start=387&end=2099","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5113872-424f4b4cb1b2c5f924176a7e8e4dfa1d/thumbnail_387000.jpg","/articles/6656908/Cherokee-County/Georgia/Cherokee-County-Fire-and-Emergency-Services-reports-steady-response-times-highlights-staffing-and-SPLOST-funding-needs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656908-526fe1c1a75614e47a2d8d549e66b2f7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770855625&Signature=JxoOn61Xmn4cc03CP-HgdlYYrGIMnQm3dNze~cYYl0wE6ncrNPXMlBGxQYbjtzwV6bW046NDvKeMA0v5NJi02JkcNRdqO9CaC5nfaB~SGPecL8Is72BkWlfDoRLP5ABUvamigWfCZLWAlbxaWReqePGwmIUgyvHhfyTArcYullipgs6dcCvhLZ2JOWla6hiN6peIREy8rKMSQNEBqxW-1qOiYGzCcq0iGMGLWd-rzglH5JPeo9hOhBKDSDSGx4r3bsjIn1k7~Nh~YCsytQH4~P6~J8-7ERf0Bnt3oOLmaDtJkkCQ-aOog-o85f4q4gSCKwgiOkJvGdfNbLmHEHS5Kw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chief Randy Wenner presented Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services’ 2024 annual report to the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners on July 1, saying the department has maintained national accreditation and is addressing rising call volumes and budget pressures.

Wenner told the board the department “is very proud of our accreditation status,” noting the department is among 23 internationally and one of 14 in Georgia to reach that level. He said the combined Fire and EMS FY2024 budget was $70,300,000 and that personnel costs made up roughly 82 percent of that total.

The report framed several operational pressures: a growing call volume that outpaces population growth, nearly 17,000 ambulance transports in 2024 and average response time of 6 minutes, 39 seconds while the 90th-percentile response time has been increasing. “Our response times are creeping up,” Wenner said, and the department is identifying investments to address that trend.

Why it matters: rising call volume and an aging, growing population are increasing demand for EMS and fire services. Commissioners and staff discussed capacity, equipment wear and capital needs that would require both operating and one-time capital funding.

Wenner outlined several strategies and programs the department is pursuing: community paramedicine, a rapid-response QRV (quick response vehicle) pilot to add depth in high-demand territories, the county’s paramedic school accreditation and expanded training pipelines that yield college credit for recruits. He said QRVs are smaller pickup-style units that can be staffed and deployed to handle lower-acuity calls so heavy apparatus like a $2 million ladder truck is preserved for incidents that require it.

On staffing, Wenner said the department’s field operations staff would reach about 462 positions after the August recruit class, and noted the system now operates 16 Advanced Life Support transport units. He also highlighted a paramedic SWAT medic program—paramedics embedded with sheriff’s deputies on high-acuity tactical calls—and local recruitment success via public relations and the Citizen Fire Academy.

Wenner reviewed SPLOST spending for Fire and EMS: the department spent about $6.5 million from prior SPLOST cycles and expects to use SPLOST 2024 allocations (the county’s allotment shown as $37 million) plus impact-fee revenue to support station rebuilds and remodels; he said about $2 million in county-collected impact fees have been set aside, with an additional $2 million collected in the City of Canton earmarked for downtown Station 16 work.

Commissioners asked operational questions that Wenner answered in detail, including whether QRVs would be cross-staffed or dedicated. Wenner said the department’s preference is to staff QRVs. Commissioner Carter and others praised the department’s training and accreditation work; Chairman John Johnson said the county is “enormously proud of Cherokee Fire.”

Wenner also discussed logistics, health and safety initiatives, and employee retention: the department has a three-pronged health program (physical performance standards, annual medical physicals with cancer screenings, and mental health resources), and it honored retirees during the presentation. He credited the department’s IT and logistics staff with maintaining operations through events such as a 2024 CrowdStrike cybersecurity incident.

Ending: Wenner closed by thanking staff and said he welcomed questions; commissioners offered applause and thanks for the department’s service.

","Chief Randy Wenner presented the 2024 annual report to the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners, noting maintained national accreditation, a $70.3 million FY2024 budget driven by personnel costs, rising call volumes and plans for quick-response vehicles and station investments funded in part by SPLOST.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board reviews multiple planning and zoning matters including Pea Ridge, Grand Communities and a chiropractic rezoning

Cherokee County commissioners signal support for 1¢ T‑SPLOST as cities press for a full penny

Consultants present 'Wildcat Plan' for Sixes Road/Old Highway 5 area, recommend new bridge, slip ramps and multimodal connections

Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services reports steady response times, highlights staffing and SPLOST funding needs