Hall Co. JMA hears proposal for trail system, cities give updates

OAKWOOD - The Hall County Joint Municipal Association now has a trail system as an item to consider for the future of Hall County and its municipalities.<br /> <br /> Jason Everett, R.K. Whitehead, and Phil Bonelli presented a long-term plan Monday night at Oakwood City Hall for a Central Hall Trail (name subject to change).<br /> <br /> Everett is the Chair of the Vision 2030 Trails Subcommittee, and he says the plan doesn't call for a lot of new building, but rather connecting the various trails that already exist.<br /> <br /> "What we're trying to do is educate the public, let them know, (and) let the intergovernmental agencies understand (that) we have a group -- a citizens' group -- that's very interested in this. And we're behind it," said Everett.<br /> <br /> What most people might not know, Everett says, is that the Central Hall Trail is already being built.<br /> <br /> "But there's a lot to be done, and we're here to make sure it gets done," said Everett.<br /> <br /> Part of the proposal would call for a trail to start at Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport, wind through Chicopee Woods, and connect to the University of North Georgia Gainesville campus.<br /> <br /> The presentation outlined the other benefits to a community with accessible bike and pedestrian trails, including a decrease in crime, an increase in jobs, and a healthier community overall.<br /> <br /> "The economic impact really comes from a lot of places. Number one, the direct spending: people come in, and now they're spending money on their bikes, they're spending money on gas and restaurants...Then you have indirect spending, making an economy off of that bike trail. You have businesses flourishing because (a tourist) is in town," said Everett.<br /> <br /> Braselton Mayor Bill Orr said the trail system in his city is effective as well, with many people also utilizing it for golf cart transportation.<br /> <br /> The city of Gainesville has already started construction on its Midtown Greenway, with more property set to be added to it in the near future, Mayor Danny Dunagan said at the meeting.<br /> <br /> Gainesville City Manager Kip Padgett said they've already branded that trail, something that will be necessary for the Central Hall Trail.<br /> <br /> Everett added that a non-profit organization will have to be created in order for private donations to be made that will help fund the trail.<br /> <br /> Everett said SPLOST funding could certainly be allocated for the project, making his plea to local lawmakers.<br /> <br /> <b>OTHER NOTES</b><br /> <br /> -Flowery Branch Mayor Mike Miller said construction began Monday on their Spring Street culvert, something they had declared an emergency. (See story linked below.)<br /> <br /> -Dunagan added that Gainesville is expecting a new upscale apartment complex with 350 units to be built.<br /> <br /> -Buford and Gillsville did not have representatives in attendance.<br /> <br /> -The next JMA meeting will be April 27 in Gainesville, with a site still to be determined.