Residents tell county they want better water, sewer and a grocery store; views split on growth

A public survey conducted as part of the Cusseta–Chattahoochee County Comprehensive Plan Update documents consistent resident priorities: improving water quality and distribution, securing sewer services for growth, repairing and paving local roads, and attracting grocery and restaurant options.

Survey responses gathered in July–October 2025—published in the plan appendices—include numerous first‑person entries. Multiple respondents wrote that water quality and frequent main breaks are a major concern and urged sewer construction so the county can attract businesses. Several entries specifically requested a grocery store, more restaurants and improved retail options; others urged preserving the county’s small‑town character and limiting mobile homes and high‑density apartments.

Respondents expressed mixed views about growth: some wrote they want little change (“stay as it is,” “small town feel”), while others asked for new businesses and affordable housing to create local jobs and retain younger residents. Road maintenance and pothole repair were recurring suggestions, with at least one respondent pointing to Friendship Road as a candidate for resurfacing (the commission later advertised bids and planned a July 22 review of bids for Friendship Road repairs).

The survey results were used to shape the plan’s needs and opportunities section and the community work program, which lists projects the county has underway or proposed (Broad Street redevelopment, sewer planning, River Bend Park expansion, ADA playground and streetscape work). The plan makes survey text available in full in Appendix B and identifies Allison Slocum at the River Valley Regional Commission as a contact for more information.

Because individual survey entries are anonymous in the appendix, the plan aggregates themes but reproduces verbatim responses in the appendix for transparency.