[{"_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",6588729,"mediaKeyId","5554618-bdd6966a7a409621db04ae462bec74b3","parentId",5554618,"title","Canton presents Hickory Flat Highway gateway concept and North Street redevelopment details","audioSeconds",681,"startMs",4177000,"endMs",4858000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5554618-bdd6966a7a409621db04ae462bec74b3&start=4177&end=4858","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5554618-bdd6966a7a409621db04ae462bec74b3/thumbnail_4177000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6588729/Canton-City/Cherokee-County/Georgia/Canton-presents-Hickory-Flat-Highway-gateway-concept-and-North-Street-redevelopment-details","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588729-49f79170f0e5ba5c50e932732b381b0b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771090218&Signature=eyjiLHXuM3-QIvf7g7VtSBV-aofgLXP5GrmamO0uT4cEQzqwS6SHJQSAKmwJVD6V2iBfmwdRXlYtEQwI-EL~ODgtR6b8rjaOdHphnqTwq6ItmrZ3JRKilzC2nq8BRPZZ3pKbCi1KhoAjXSHneMfp5Ge~awvGDCg~O7KsYsoJ4jmMCxvQrvmzwAyDDIL~i1zgnH8LOW~hmGGLbAdKxb-rPp4QRGrhkpzJ~o8pGbj1cbUXpT2bTuSKMiQriM1i60TGvy~4IYT0n9HjZUmYUwuoilORmJ0QqnXWst2z7gtwDQt0kgQ~qW0uJ2453zm0Vfw6DN5SZZkYwI~99R06DHsq~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Canton","date","2025-08-08T15:30:18Z","article","City staff presented concept plans on Aug. 7 for two gateway areas that frame Downtown Canton: the Hickory Flat Highway corridor (the primary northern approach) and a North Street redevelopment at the city’s eastern gateway.

Hickory Flat Highway gateway: Miss Watson described a multi‑year concept developed with mobility partners and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The plan centers on transportation improvements (a roundabout at Hickory Flat Highway and Marietta Road, a replacement bridge over Canton Creek, and additional roundabouts and realignments to control access), new multiuse trails and pedestrian connections, and redevelopment areas with mixed‑use retail, public spaces and trail connections along the river. Staff said the Georgia Office of Planning and Budget awarded the city a $2.2 million grant to help fund pedestrian improvements along Marietta Road. The DDA has purchased the Canton Village Shopping Center as part of an anticipated redevelopment strategy.

North Street gateway and County court annex concept: Mister Ingram presented a revised proposal from Goodwin Mills Caywood (GMC) for professional architectural and engineering services tied to a large redevelopment at North Street. The concept overviews a county court annex (approximate 130,000 square feet across four levels), a mixed‑use building with retail, office and residential components, and an approximately 800‑space parking deck intended to serve both the public and downtown businesses. Ingram said the design is intended to keep the parking structure behind and wrapped by retail and residential uses so the deck is not the primary visual element from the gateway. GMC proposed a fee structure capped against an estimated $70 million project cost; Ingram emphasized the $70 million figure is the total project cost, not the city’s share, and suggested the city/DDA portion would be a smaller amount in negotiations with the county and development partners.

Next steps and timing: Staff said many elements remain conceptual; roundabout locations, right‑of‑way and property impacts will be refined during engineering. Right‑of‑way acquisition, environmental and GDOT processes are lengthy; for projects on state routes, staff said federal and state approval schedules drive timelines and can make construction start dates several years out. Where federal grants are involved, staff noted the city’s 20% local match obligation and that impact fees and other local funds have been identified for some projects. The DDA has approved the Hickory Flat concept; staff will return to council with formal actions as engineering and funding steps advance.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Canton GA City Council Aug 08 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff presented concept plans on Aug. 7 for the Hickory Flat Highway gateway into downtown and a North Street redevelopment that would include a county court annex, mixed‑use buildings and structured parking.","taxTitle","Canton City, Cherokee County, Georgia","taxId",52745,"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},6588739,"Canton council adopts FY2026 budget, approves zoning corrections, land bank IGA and several transportation contracts",392,1704000,2096000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5554618-bdd6966a7a409621db04ae462bec74b3&start=1704&end=2096","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5554618-bdd6966a7a409621db04ae462bec74b3/thumbnail_1704000.jpg","/articles/6588739/Canton-City/Cherokee-County/Georgia/Canton-council-adopts-FY2026-budget-approves-zoning-corrections-land-bank-IGA-and-several-transportation-contracts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588739-827a474373d6fe6b5ef21354fc49694a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771090218&Signature=iShKykpm8MS~ikIeD799LE3d1COd-GnsPkr62bruBX--dlSkMUri7wxQPT6ux3XW3~h2TJAWXuqshWEMyJibYTPKLFhodbmtHO7Q~0Ojfez5fK~wPsdVy66do7T18jxNeSUxZ70dF401ZCMprVM1YT59LXBEpR-DEan3~QcENkJBAUDTWaLVrhfB4uYXPNBfremGkowCe9ElU456b3dKRNrIzUjI8vKSulMCPbkHYs3Rzpcl5u5QPQ-WDVCupdHLcaFb2tSx2ZmegsPNYvILcCmlQOqQvbtkztaemDVL~aI8YhCjrE9gzjphh-ylG3ThxAUXkFOOKl2bailQtgpfIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Canton council voted on a package of budget, land‑use and transportation items at its Aug. 7 regular meeting, approving the city’s fiscal year 2026 budget and several contract and intergovernmental actions.

Budget and tax rate: The council adopted the FY2026 budget as presented and approved a millage rate reduction from 5.40 mills to 5.25 mills. Staff told council the all‑funds FY2026 budget is about $94.7 million and the general fund is proposed at $30.5 million. The budget includes roughly $42 million in capital projects, funding for three new positions, a proposed employee compensation increase and minor utility rate adjustments (a 2.5% water/sewer increase and a $0.50 monthly stormwater utility increase from $1.25 to $1.75).

Zoning map amendments: Council approved corrections to the official City of Canton zoning map reflecting historical zoning errors and incompatibilities with the development code. Staff said the amendments were discussed at prior meetings and that the public hearing at the previous meeting produced no speakers for or against.

Cherokee Regional Land Bank: Council approved an intergovernmental contract (IGA) establishing the Cherokee Regional Land Bank. The IGA as described by staff includes Cherokee County and the cities of Canton, Holly Springs and Woodstock as participants; each local government will have one appointment to the land bank board and two at‑large appointments will require joint approval by the participating agencies.

Transportation task orders: Council approved multiple task orders for federally funded transportation projects that require a 20% local match.

- Approved award of Task Order 8 for the Marietta Highway/Riverstone Parkway at Highway 140 intersection project design services to Michael Baker International in the amount stated in the motion ($283,150.13). Staff said the city is responsible for 20% of the cost, with 80% federal funding and 34.2% of the city share to be paid from impact fees.

- Approved award of a task order for design services for the Highway 140 at Reinhardt College Parkway intersection (roundabout project) to Michael Baker International in the amount of $127,703.95. Staff said construction is estimated to begin in 2027 with about two years of construction.

Grant and capital actions: Council authorized city staff to apply for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to help fund an estimated $1.2 million project to raise the water intake at Hickory Flat Creek Reservoir to reduce siltation; staff said the city’s share would be 25% if a grant covering up to 75% is awarded. The council also approved the city’s participation in local safety grants and other budgeted capital projects.

Nonprofit permit fee waiver: Council approved waiving the building‑permit fee of $1,329.75 for Must Ministries to rebuild a demolished home at 226 Old Donaldson Road that had been acquired with Community Development Block Grant funds; Must Ministries will house the displaced family during construction.

Votes at a glance (formal council outcomes on Aug. 7):
- Adopt FY2026 budget, fee schedule and budget ordinance — approved (motion: Councilmember McGrew; unanimous; no roll call provided).
- Approve amendments to the City of Canton official zoning map — approved (unanimous; no roll call provided).
- Approve IGA to create the Cherokee Regional Land Bank — approved (unanimous; no roll call provided).
- Approve award of Task Order 8 (Marietta Hwy/Riverstone Pkwy at Hwy 140) to Michael Baker International — approved (motion recorded; unanimous; no roll call provided).
- Approve award of design task order (SR 140 at Reinhardt College Pkwy) to Michael Baker International — approved (unanimous; no roll call provided).
- Authorize city to apply to Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) — approved (unanimous; no roll call provided).
- Waive building permit fee for Must Ministries, 226 Old Donaldson Road — approved ($1,329.75; unanimous; no roll call provided).

Items discussed but not finalized: The proposed ADU development‑code amendment closed its public hearing and was left for further action at a future meeting; staff will return with clarifications on interior‑access rules, HOA confirmation language, and parking phrasing. Staff also presented several informational items, including a draft Hickory Flat Highway gateway concept plan and a revised proposal for architectural services for the North Street gateway redevelopment; no final council action was taken on those concept plans at the Aug. 7 meeting.

Councilmembers thanked staff for the proposed budget and for securing federal and state grants that reduce local costs. The council adjourned to an executive session at the end of the meeting.","The City of Canton council voted on a package of budget, land‑use and transportation items at its Aug. 7 regular meeting, approving the city’s fiscal year 2026 budget and several contract and intergovernmental actions.",{"_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},6588743,"Canton holds public hearing on proposed accessory-dwelling-unit rules as council asks for clarifications",252,188000,440000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5554618-bdd6966a7a409621db04ae462bec74b3&start=188&end=440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5554618-bdd6966a7a409621db04ae462bec74b3/thumbnail_188000.jpg","/articles/6588743/Canton-City/Cherokee-County/Georgia/Canton-holds-public-hearing-on-proposed-accessory-dwelling-unit-rules-as-council-asks-for-clarifications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588743-4eaf89835d9990b2663de8c75bc48675/orig.mp4?Expires=1771090218&Signature=F2DFBEmxnQAG0oExFioLDy1zWndRfvgV2MH6wzHDnKnuSgoWklaQPsRw4tYPrrsklcqMKXzdTzzgVJU1wQeWZBkVd8tI7KQK4Muz4LvgtMZbS1NSHh562gAfkXTNkp1o1BDjpACURdfpQMoSh9uFoBOgMcmaegXW-GzOutK05CJVgT5k2uD1Po37qqeVlZUFs0JEpcWpthWw1ymfq1xeQRzk82vvAqSpMrLNzzQvzfOGD35gJkEqtthpVpisK8saTNvVNGba8g-F2TDW902rOLWs9AnRza9A79oRRCU1awTTnKCqSu8ZOE7TGuBGvCCNQ~5nn~7pVgpmr6-uDsMQEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of Canton staff presented a proposed text amendment to the Unified Development Code on Aug. 7 that would change how accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are allowed across multiple residential zoning districts.

The proposed ordinance would list the zoning districts where ADUs are permitted, limit ADUs to one per lot, cap an ADU at no more than 50% of the habitable floor area of the principal dwelling, and require “one additional off‑street parking space” to serve the ADU. The draft also would require that either the principal dwelling or the ADU be owner‑occupied and would add the planned development (PD) district to the list of districts eligible for one ADU where a block contains only single‑family homes. Staff also proposed adding a 20% administrative variance to allow the community development director to increase maximum ADU square footage and height limits.

The measure was presented by staff member Mary Baker, who told the council that several repetitive provisions were moved to a general section for clarity, floor‑area limits were adjusted, and administrative‑variance language was added so the community development director could grant limited exceptions.

During the public hearing, property owner Mark Crosby, who said he owns multiple rental properties in Canton, urged caution. “The 50% rule really hinders investors such as me trying to do something like that,” Crosby said, arguing that on smaller, older houses the cost of building even a modest detached ADU would make development infeasible. He said owner‑occupancy requirements would “preclude most investors” and likely limit ADUs to family uses rather than adding workforce housing.

Councilmembers asked staff to clarify several items in the draft. Councilmember McGrew asked whether the “one additional off‑street parking space” was a strict limit; Baker said the language could be clarified to read “at least one,” which would allow owners to provide two spaces. McGrew also questioned the HOA confirmation requirement; staff said they included a written HOA statement as a “best practice” to avoid conflicts between municipal permits and private covenants and noted a similar approach is used for short‑term rentals.

Councilmember Waterman pressed how the 50% cap would interact with the city’s preapproved ADU plans. Staff said the largest approved ADU plan on file is in the 800‑square‑foot range and that the proposed 20% administrative variance effectively allows up to 60% in some cases (50% plus 20% admin variance), which staff suggested could accommodate larger principal dwellings. Baker said variance and appeals processes would remain available for homeowners with demonstrated hardship.

Councilmembers also questioned an interior‑access requirement in the draft that would require ADUs within the principal dwelling to be accessible from the interior rather than only by an exterior entrance. Staff said they would research whether that provision stems from building‑code or land‑use definitions and return with a recommendation.

The council closed the public hearing and did not take final action on the ordinance at the Aug. 7 meeting; staff said the ordinance could be considered for action at the council’s next regular meeting. Staff also noted that a separate public hearing on a proposed change to the zoning land‑use table (to clarify how the PD district is treated) will be held the following week.","City staff presented revisions to the development code that would limit ADUs to one per lot, cap size at 50% of the principal dwelling, require at least one off‑street parking space, and add an owner‑occupancy requirement; councilmembers and a property owner raised concerns about feasibility for smaller homes and HOA limits.",{"_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},6588734,"Council discusses dissolving Environmental & Sustainability Advisory Board and shifting work to staff",262,2471000,2733000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5554618-bdd6966a7a409621db04ae462bec74b3&start=2471&end=2733","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5554618-bdd6966a7a409621db04ae462bec74b3/thumbnail_2471000.jpg","/articles/6588734/Canton-City/Cherokee-County/Georgia/Council-discusses-dissolving-Environmental-Sustainability-Advisory-Board-and-shifting-work-to-staff","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588734-c85b5bda20a21a0877ff0a3963a0f197/orig.mp4?Expires=1771090218&Signature=URbkx86Scp3bcKBJ03m8FCL4Chf1l271RJzb-DHutuJktTI4foml1UuJhsA0CW4dkLVRf4luOXofwR6KY83um10GKuMy5EWBFmFHziCqyd6frPh98YEPufReTKgWq6lFcYCmjweyCrAgGYsYS33lvLZAUWYk5W08qWVA~86VWBX6QmXsZGe-8tTf5QKEu3tBX5JAu5LUE1e70YZk0aPB5nhMYHAr42ANV3heL5oNOPkEMUcQVaJo-pGOmLY~nCcKNonNyCx1KpiJoVjmYrjG4D81u0i--5iuqbV9yqsdOcz3aBav3Y0X5gY1G-d2MfVExH75Y2JOf3o-FGN3lAy9SQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff recommended at the Aug. 7 council meeting that the Environmental and Sustainability Advisory Board be dissolved and that its responsibilities be transferred to a staff‑led internal sustainability committee.

Miss Penley told council the advisory board had produced the city’s sustainability plan, a native plant palette and several pilot projects (solar picnic tables, a solar tree at Edible River Park) but had suffered persistent attendance problems and turnover that prevented the board from meeting quorum and effectively advancing work. Penley said a staff committee composed of public works, community development, outreach, engineering and utilities staff would better integrate sustainability work into municipal operations and capital projects, and staff provided an outline of how an internal program could operate.

Councilmembers acknowledged the board’s accomplishments and expressed concern about civic engagement and the council’s role in supporting volunteer commissions. Councilmember Warren (Waterman) said staggered attendance made continuity difficult and emphasized that appointing councilmembers should meet regularly with appointees to set expectations. Councilmember Waterman asked for clearer metrics on the financial and environmental benefits of projects going forward; Penley said staff would incorporate measurable outcomes, data tracking and public outreach, including surveys and communications, into the proposed internal committee’s workplan.

Council did not take formal action to dissolve the advisory board at the Aug. 7 meeting; staff said the recommendation was to transition to a staff committee and that council would retain approval authority for major policy or spending decisions.","City staff recommended disbanding the citizen advisory board due to chronic low attendance and transitioning sustainability work into an internal staff committee focused on operational integration, data tracking and outreach.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Canton presents Hickory Flat Highway gateway concept and North Street redevelopment details

Canton council adopts FY2026 budget, approves zoning corrections, land bank IGA and several transportation contracts

Canton holds public hearing on proposed accessory-dwelling-unit rules as council asks for clarifications

Council discusses dissolving Environmental & Sustainability Advisory Board and shifting work to staff