Powers Ferry Master Plan


We would like to thank everyone for showing up to our three public meetings over the course of the last four months. In our last meeting on October 6th, Cobb County staff discussed the conceptual master plan along with the vision, goals and policies. Due to the extended questioning and answering section the opportunity to provide thoughts and comments on the conceptual master plan map, vision, goals and policies was limited. To ensure the community has had the opportunity to provide feedback, Planning Division staff would like for you to review the Conceptual Master Plan Map, The Vision Statement and the Goals and Policies and provide any ideas, thoughts or comments you may have.

If you were not able to attend the October 6th meeting please review the Public Meeting summary #3 before commenting to get an understanding and background of the information presented.

 

Conceptual Master Plan Map

The development of the Conceptual Master Plan map was driven by stakeholder and public input from the first two public meetings and incorporates features and ideas that attempt to resolve the major community identified concerns of the corridor and builds upon the identified strengths of the Powers Ferry community.

 

Powers Ferry Vision, Goals and Policies

Based on the interactive community visioning process over the last three months a vision statement as been crafted and provides a complete description of all aspects of the master plan that are to be encouraged. The community vision is a written statement that intends to illustrate or reflect the Powers Ferry community of the future. It is based on opportunities and choices, the opportunity for sustainable redevelopment and the revitalization of residential and commercial properties and the transportation, housing and employment choices for all citizens.

 

The Goal statements are broad long term outcomes that link the vision with the plan. Theoretically, when all the goals have been met the vision becomes reality.

Policy statements provide the framework for public and private decision-making. While goals tend to be general in nature, policies set forth a particular approach or position to be taken when resolving a planning issue. Essentially, policies broaden the scope of the master plan beyond just a series of maps.

Review the material and provide feedback by clicking on the “Tell us what you think” link.

Downloads: Draft - Vision, Goals & Policies Public Meeting #3 Public Meeting #3 Summary Public Meeting #2 Public Meeting #2 Summary Public Meeting #1 Public Meeting #1 Summary Powers Ferry Corridor Study Map Public Input: Tell us what you think Powers Ferry Business Survey

Project Description:

In February of 2009 District 2 Commissioner Bob Ott along with the rest of the Board of Commissioners authorized the Community Development Agency to develop a corridor study for a section of Powers Ferry Road. The Powers Ferry Road Corridor Study will be a mid-to-long range plan that will ultimately improve the quality of life for residence, employees and visitors of the area by addressing land use, transportation and economic development issues.

The study began in late spring of 2009 and should end in January of 2010. The study area is bounded to the north by Delk Road and the City of Marietta and to the south by Windy Ridge Parkway. The eastern boundary line was strategically chosen to include uses that were not unique to the character of the Powers Ferry Road corridor and the western boundary was terminated along the obvious line of demarcation of I-75.

The study area has excellent access to the interstate highway system and includes a network of five interconnected arterial roadways. In addition, there has been a considerable investment over time in residential, commercial, and office development within the study area. Residential developments blend older more mature Townhome, Condominium developments, and multi-family dwellings with some newer townhomes, condominiums, and single-family detached structures. Commercial development is mostly located along the corridor with direct access to at least one of the five arterial roadways. Retail makes up most of the commercial in the northern half of the study area while the southern end, which includes the Cumberland Community Improvement District, is comprised of mostly high rise office development.

At first glance the corridor appears to be good shape; however a closer examination reveals some residential structures in decline, derelict shopping centers, vacant office buildings, and transportation infrastructure that may be inadequate to deal with vehicle volumes and is unsafe for bicyclists and pedestrians in some areas.  

It is the job of the Planning Division of Community Development to guide the Powers Ferry Road Corridor Study process through various stages that will include a stakeholder committee, public meetings, on-line and business surveys, and public hearings. The intention of these efforts is to create a vision for the future of the corridor and an action plan to address the needs of the residents, businesses, and property owners to help reverse potential deterioration along the corridor. Through this process it is expected that a new future will result for the Powers Ferry Road community, a future that includes innovation and revitalization.