The green light has been given for a new park in Milton as the City Council nods in approval for the procurement of a sizable 21.37-acre spread off Deerfield Parkway. The deal, as reported by the City of Milton's official website, was cemented on Monday, putting the city on track for a vast expansion of public recreational space, provided that the public throws their two cents in during the upcoming 90-day scrutiny phase.
According to information obtained by the city's announcement, vetting efforts will include a site analysis assessing the land's potential for fields and facilities—a task spearheaded by Parks and Recreation Director Tom McKlveen and his team, who will craft preliminary proposals to present to the advisory board. A stone's throw away from the old City Hall and within eyeshot of a busy office complex, the plot's strategic location has residents buzzing about the prospect of new energetic park spaces.
While approving the contract, Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison underscored the significance of the decision, saying, “I believe this is a big deal because it shows … that we’re committed to 1) providing active parks for this growing community and 2) investing in the Deerfield/Highway 9 area,” as per the City of Milton. This sentiment echoes a call by a local during public comment who tagged the spot as ideal.
Monday's Council meeting didn’t just revolve around parklands. An Earth Day proclamation—to herald a suite of environmentally-focused activities—was read aloud by the Mayor, as per Milton's recent movements towards greening up the community. Georgia Cities Week got a shout-out too, underpinning local government's vital role with a lineup of events planned to foster closer community bonds. Apparently, Milton isn’t all about the pen pushing and policy making; they’re also diving headlong into hikes, City Hall tours, even a convivial 'Chillin’ with the Chiefs' shindig—details of which are on the city's site for all to see.
On the economic development front, a comprehensive Deerfield Implementation Plan was brought forward by Community Development Director Bob Buscemi, targeting the heart of Milton's future growth. An urban design manual is on the drafting board as part of this endeavor, aimed at giving developers the blueprint to what Milton desires in terms of urban aesthetics and architectural vibe. With Buscemi's promise of "tons of public participation," this ambitious scheme looks to turn Deerfield into a bustling nexus for business and pleasant residence, epitomizing a community-driven approach to city planning. As Buscemi put it, nobody wants Milton to become just another blip on the road.
The Council also delved into infrastructure matters, casting their votes to forward a draft Capital Improvement Element to the Atlanta Regional Commission for further review. This draft spells out essential projects that could be bankrolled through impact fees. Such projects span across the needs spectrum, from parks and police space to fire apparatus—the sort of stuff that makes a city tick beyond its bureaucratic heartbeat.
City Council's jam-packed meeting concluded with the anticipation of their next convening set for May 6. If you're a denizen of this growing community, it's clear—the wheels of progress are turning in Milton, and they're moving full steam ahead into a more connected, more sustainable future.
