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"This was the first of 14 Smart Growth meetings planned across the county, and we couldn't have started the ball rolling with any better momentum than we had here tonight," said Jackson County Manager Jay Denton, a resident of the Greens Creek community. "These meetings are for the community to develop long-range plans for the county and to create a working plan in progress," Denton said.
Responses from the participants were written on flip charts. Following all the suggestions, participants were then given colored stickers to rank their priorities. Facilitator Vickey Wade of Western Carolina University's Mountain Resource Center said the rankings would be tallied and all the responses compiled for the Smart Growth Committee to review.
Those responses will include a plea from Raya Denton to preserve farmlands.
Perhaps tax relief for farm property could be an option, said Randy Cabe, who also would like to see land set aside for hunting, fishing and recreation.
"If we have preserves, that takes away our tax base," Richard Moore said.
One way to eliminate that is to create land trusts, said Marsha Crites.
The land and natural resources of the area must be protected, agreed many residents, including Jana Fulton.
Cabe said he would like to see a walking track in the Savannah community and in each community in the county. Trails for horseback riding should also be available, added Ricky Buchanan.
Greenways along the river could help with the trail issues, said Roger Turner, who also suggested adding more river access parks like at East LaPorte.
"But nothing can happen without land use planning," Turner stressed.
Improved programs for the handicapped, especially the young handicapped, was tops on the list of Jimmie Sue Jones. Most of the young people, handicapped or not, talk about lack of creative outlets for them, said Crites who would like to see the community building utilized more.
"What we need in this county is a large recreation complex for all ages," said Forrie Haugh. An assisted living center for the elderly is also needed, according to Crites.
Hampton Johnson said, "We've got buildings in our county just sitting idle. We need to put businesses in those empty spaces."
Our young people are leaving the area for better jobs, agreed Linda Fiskeaux, who would like to see clean, high-tech businesses come to the area. To do that, wide-band width communication lines are needed here, said Moore.
John Beckman said he'd like to see the county's rural integrity and character preserved no matter what change comes to Jackson County.
"Jackson County could benefit from a regional attraction. I'm not talking Dollywood; I'm talking about an attraction that promotes the history and heritage of the area."
Sandie Jones would like to preserve the Jackson County Courthouse. Kimenker suggested that it be available for public use, such as craft demonstrations. He further suggested preserving and using other historic buildings.
Commissioners Roberta Crawford, representing Greens Creek, and Stacy Buchanan, representing Savannah, both said the were pleased with Tuesday night's turnout and active participation.
"We're here to listen and they had plenty to say," Crawford said.
The next Smart Growth meeting will be held 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Cashiers Community Building.
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Herald photo by Rose Hooper