For comprehensive plan
Burke residents provide input
By Diana Royal Staff Writer

Trash, lack of recreation activities and crime were among the major concerns expressed by residents at four separate community workshops held last week to discuss the development of Burke County's comprehensive plan.

The workshops, held in Keysville, Sardis, Midville and Waynesboro, were set up so that Burke Countians would have an opportunity to help plan for the county's future over the next 20 years. They shared the changes they hoped for and voiced concerns over everything from land preservation to educational services. Representatives from MACTEC Engineering and Consulting Inc. asked those in attendance to list what they like about their communities before delving into the issues that concern them.

In Sardis, residents liked the "peaceful, country" atmosphere that many claimed had drawn them to the area in the first place. At other meetings, people were in agreement that their respective communities were friendly, easygoing and historic, but the real discussion came when MACTEC opened the floor to talk about concerns.

According to county administrator Merv Waldrop, Keysville residents were extremely concerned about trash in the community as well as crime. Both Keysville and Sardis residents would like to see the development of schools within their communities, as well as more activities for families, including recreation in the area as opposed to them being available only in Waynesboro.

Waldrop also said the establishment of a water authority for the county was a major recommendation.

Complaints ranged from lack of grocery stores and no animal control to too many drugs and a high rate of teenage pregnancy. One resident stated that people should take more pride in their communities, and another said that government officials should be more helpful and friendly.

Marty Sewell, senior planner for MACTEC, said other key concerns were housing options for senior citizens, the lack of more comprehensive development regulations to provide for orderly development in growing areas, the distance between services and residences, the poverty level and the potential impact of suburban development on the rural character of the county.

Approximately 80 residents participated in the four meetings, and Sewell said the input allowed MACTEC to gain an understanding of the issues, which will provide significant guidance for developing and prioritizing an implemtation plan.

"The next step in the comprehensive plan process will specifically define each of these issues and concerns and provide strategies for addressing each issue," Sewell said. "We're currently developing these and plan to include them in a draft for the public to review in the next few months."

Also during the meetings, maps were on display so that locals could see what areas MACTEC has recommended as "character areas." According to the community assessment draft, applying development strategies based on the county's character can preserve existing areas and help others function better. The map accompanying this story shows the recommended character areas for Burke County.

An open house to review the draft is scheduled for Tuesday, April 24, 6-9 p.m., at the Burke County Public Library.

The Burke County Community Assessment is available to read online at http:// www.burkecounty-ga.gov/.