Area Plans|Airport Area Master Plan

Background

Several decades ago, Cherokee County leaders recognized that the Cherokee County Regional Airport could be the center of a major employment center along Interstate 575.  In the 1980's, the Development Authority of Cherokee County (DACC) began working to recruit industries to Cherokee County by creating a series of sucessful industrial parks along Airport Drive and Interstate 575.  The Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority extended sewer into this area to serve the needs of existing and future businesses.  Private developers have taken advantage of these infrastructure investments by developing additional industrial parks and buildings within the Airport Area.  This area has a great combination of favorable access to I-575 at the Airport Drive interchange, proximity to the Airport, good visibility from the interstate, and the necesary infrastructure for business development.

Anticipating more growth, leaders from Cherokee County developed an ambitious plan to significantly expand the capabilities of the Airport, including extending the runway to 6,000 ft, a precision approach, more hangar space and a new terminal building.   In 2007, constructuion began on Phase 1 of the Cherokee County Regional Airport Expansion Project.  This long-term project will further enhance the ability of Cherokee County to attract and retain buisinesses in the Airport Area. In order to capitalize on the newly expanded airport, Cherokee County needed a clear vision for the area surrounding airport to further develop this economic center.

Purpose

Cherokee County Planning, the Development Authority of Cheorkee County (DACC) and the Cherokee County Airport Authority (CCAA) have developed the Airport Area Master Plan to address the following issues in the Airport Area:

• Lack of Master Plan, especially in terms of compatible land uses
• Inconsistent aesthetic appearance of development
• Missing services and amenities for employers and employees
• Need for additional airport enhancements

The purpose and intent of this document is to identify the Airport Area as a defined district in order to maximize the economic impact by facilitating business development / employment, coordinating investment in infrastructure, assuring land use compatible with the expanded airport, and creating a consistent look and feel for this new gateway into Cherokee County. 

Technology Ridge Redevelopment Plan & Opportunity Zone

Following on the adoption of Airport Area Master Plan, Cherokee County partnered with the cities of Ball Ground and Canton to develop the Technology Ridge Redevelopment Plan.  This Plan was submitted to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the area was designated as a State of Georgia Opportunity Zone.  The Tech. Ridge OZ is larger than just the Airport Area and includes areas along I-575 between the Cumming Highway and Howell Bridge Road interchanges that are in need of redevelopment to address underdevelopment and blight.  

Plan Implmentation

Work is currently underway to revive the previous Airport Overlay District to protect the Airport from incompatible land uses, encroachment, and meet FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) guidelines.