Maysville GA Pedestrian Plan

Sept. 16, 2003--About 25 citizens attended a public meeting at Maysville Elementary School Tuesday night to learn about a proposed pedestrian plan for Maysville. Jerry Presley, transportation planner for the Georgia Mountains Regional Development Center (GMRDC), presented the plan on behalf of the GMRDC and the Town of Maysville.

PROPOSED NEW SIDEWALKS

West side of Homer Street from Post Office to Mitchell Street
North side of Alley Street from Post Office to Maysville UMC
North side of North Main Street from Maysville UMC to East Freeman Street
South side of GA 52 from West Freeman Street to downtown
South side of GA 98 from downtown to Hwy 82 Spur
North side of South Main Street from Town Hall to Mill Street
West side of Hwy 82 Spur from Hwy 98 to Maysville School
South side of School Street to Sims Street
South side of Sims Street to Georgia Avenue.
Georgia Avenue to GA 98
South side of Sims Street from Georgia Avenue to Brevard Street to GA 98.

"The purpose of this meeting is to introduce (Maysville citizens) to the Maysville Pedestrian Plan and to get a sense of public interest and participation," Presley said.
   Presley then presented a map of Maysville's existing sidewalks along with a proposed expansion plan to add sidewalks to a major portion of the Maysville Historic District. Currently, sidewalks only exist in the immediate downtown area and along a small residential portion of Comer Street. The new plan links these sidewalk systems to planned new walks.
   "This plan has developed out of the initial process that began with the Maysville Memorial Park plan. This plan takes into consideration the opportunity for visitors to walk the town and view the historic district as well as for the town's residents to safely walk to high traffic areas such as offices, businesses and school," Presley added.
   Presley said the plan does require a commitment on behalf of the Town of Maysville for funding resources although there are several other sources as well.
   "The Georgia Department of Transportation is very interested in funding local community pedestrian plans. Our office, the RDC, is developing city plans and regional plans. Also, there are federal matching (80% federal 20% local) funds such as the TEA-21 fund (Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century) that the city can apply for," Presley said. "These funds are competitive since a lot of government agencies are in need of the funds and budgets are tight." Presley said that the city is responsible for grant-writing to seek the funds and that the GMRDC can offer help with this. Additionally, the TEA-21 funds can also be used for landscaping, streetscaping, streetlights and even building rehabilitation, according to Presley.
   Presley offered some examples of costs associated with the sidewalks. "Curbing runs about $15 per linear foot and sidewalks run about $11 per square foot. Sidewalks are usually four to six feet wide. Curb ramps run $800-$1500 each and two are usually required per intersection. Crosswalk markings run $100-$300 each," Presley said.
   The meeting is one of three that is planned concerning the Pedestrian Plan proposal. Presley plans to have project costs estimates at the next meeting. Comments and questions are welcomed and can be addressed to Maysville Town Hall.