Milton Residents Learn More About Crabapple Redevelopment Efforts

Milton residents gathered at City Hall Monday evening heard a city consultant say the Crabapple Crossroads community needs to keep its charm, history and character.

Lew Oliver of Whole Town Solutions presented this vision while emphasizing the need for community input on the future of the Crabapple Crossroads Community as well as the Milton City Center.

He told the local resident many opportuniti for the community. This includes creating a more pedestrian friendly environment. Oliver said that unlike big cities such as Atlanta that put drivers first, the ideal atmosphere for Crabapple would cater more to pedestrians, bicycles and even golf carts.

A resounding theme throughout Oliver’s presentation was preservation and utilizing the natural assets of the area.

“We’re losing history far too rapidly,” he said.

This can be done by using existing infrastructure as much as possible and sticking to indigenous architecture.

“We’ve had a lot of imported architecture which is not bad but it’s not natural, “ Oliver said.

Downtown Dahlonega’s tree-lined streets, central park area and open spaces were referenced too as an example of what was being envisioned for Crabapple.

Oliver summed it up with the words charm, history and character.

“It’s the way towns used to be,” he says.

Guests were encouraged to fill out comment cards as well as attend a sketch presentation on Monday March 21st for more information.

After the meeting locals gathered to share their thoughts. “I’m trying to soak it all in,” says Milton resident Joe Killingsworth, “ I just hope we do it right.”

The idea of having an old-fashioned community area appeals to business owner Heather Silvia, who said, “I like the idea of having it a true town.”

The next regarding Crabapple development will be held March 21 at 7 p.m. Design sketches will be posted at the City of Milton’s Web Site, www.cityofmiltonga.us, prior to the meeting.