Board adopts Bells Ferry LCI update to county comprehensive plan

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted the updated Bells Ferry Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) on July 7, adding the plan as an amendment to the county comprehensive plan and directing staff to pursue implementation steps.

Planning Director Ms. Long summarized the update, which included an economic market study, a transit‑feasibility analysis, community engagement (including focus groups with Hispanic business owners), and recommendations to improve connectivity, advance the Greenway and Master Trail plan, and encourage placemaking and design features. “From this, we looked at several different topics, not only economic development, transportation, placemaking activation and design, and as mentioned, also the transit study,” Ms. Long said.

The plan identifies three nodes along the three‑mile corridor and recommends policies to balance future commercial development with preservation of existing housing. The update also explores microtransit options for on‑demand county service and lists community priorities such as a community plaza and improved park access.

Commissioner Ragsdale moved to adopt the updated plan and Commissioner Carter seconded. The motion carried unanimously. Chair Johnston thanked staff and the consultant team for the work and noted the county will continue public engagement during implementation.

Public comment during the hearing included support for exploring microtransit; Benjamin Offenberg said improved visibility and a booking platform would make the service more useful to residents. Planning staff confirmed microtransit in the study referred to a demand‑response county service rather than fixed‑route bus service.

Next steps: the plan will be used to guide land‑use decisions and to inform future project designs, including greenway completions and transit pilot considerations.