City of Toccoa

HEADQUARTERS: URGENT MESSAGE
Heart and Soul Paratrooper Recruits of the Allied Toccoa Force!
You are about to embark upon Mission Toccoa. We welcome you as a
new recruit to Toccoa with open arms. The eyes of our community
are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere
march with you. In company with our dedicated local citizens and
leaders on other fronts of Toccoa, you will be embarking upon a
mission, witnessing the successful projects that the people of Toccoa
have undertaken. During your mission, you will see Toccoa’s historic
downtown, newly renovated historic courthouse and the Currahee Military
Museum which is located at the recently renovated depot.
Much has happened since the beginning days of the Toccoa Main Street
program’s designation in 1990. Our Home Fronts have given us
overwhelming success in downtown development and placed at our
disposal great reserves of trained volunteers and leaders. The tide has
turned! The free men and women of Toccoa are marching together to Victory!
I have full confidence in your devotion to duty in historic downtown
preservation, rich community heritage and bountiful natural resources.
We will accept nothing less than full downtown re-development Victory!
Thank you for making Toccoa one of your stops and adding this noble
undertaking to your Heart and Soul journey. We know that you will be
inspired to re-enlist for an additional tour following Mission Toccoa
and to tell others about the heroic actions taking place in
the heart of Northeast Georgia.
Sincerely,
Ron J. Seib, Mayor
City of Toccoa
AGENDA FOR TOCCOA STOP OF HEART & SOUL TOUR
April 17, 2009
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Bus picks up Lieutenant Winters (aka Mayor Seib)
in Clarkesville
Toccoa, WWII, Historic footage DVD (7-10 min)
Winters speaks about Toccoa to "paratrooper recruits"
(aka Heart & Soul Bus Tour Participants)
Recruits exit bus at the Historic Courthouse
Entertainment outside by Toccoa Falls College Jazz Band
Stephens County High School ROTC Color Guard
Welcome Committee Presents American Flags
Welcome to recruits in Rotunda of Historic Courthouse
(City of Toccoa & Stephens County Commissions)
Music by Vintage Vocals
Bathroom Break, Vintage Vocals continue to sing in Rotunda
Colonel Sink (aka Attorney John Dickerson) gives
Toccoa mission briefing in upstairs courtroom
Guided tour of Historic Courthouse
Dog Tags issued to paratroopers
Guided walking tour of Historic Downtown Renovation
Arrive at Depot/Welcome Center/Currahee Military Museum
Tour Museum/Refreshments in USO (aka Mitchell Allen Room)
Bathroom Break/Gather paratroopers
Bid Farewell to paratroopers
Paratroopers issued bags, Sosebee hot dogs, and Cokes
Bus picks up paratroopers at Depot
HISTORY OF TOCCOA
Located in the scenic foothills of the Appalachian
Mountains, Toccoa is a rich tapestry of history,
natural resources, and remarkable people.
Toccoa had its beginning in the frontier
community of Dry Pond. The community flourished
because of the vision of three investors.
Dr. O.M. Doyle, B.Y. Sage, and Thomas Alexander
who realized the town could become the railroad
link between Atlanta to Greenville, S.C. and
beyond. They bought Dry Pond and the surrounding
properties, a total of 1,765 acres, for $3,500.
After having it surveyed into lots, the men held a
lot sale on May 27,1873. The lots were located in what is now downtown Toccoa.
Downtown streets were named for these three gentlemen.
Deciding that Dry Pond was not the most appealing name for a new town,
they chose the name Toccoa City. The name Toccoa was derived from a
Cherokee word meaning beautiful; the name the Cherokee gave a nearby
waterfall.
DOYLE STREET
circa 1943
MILITARY PARADE
During World War II the U.S. government acquired Currahee Mountain and the
surrounding land in Toccoa as a training facility for a new type of soldier,
the paratrooper. At Camp Toccoa men from four airborne regiments were trained
to jump into enemy territory. These brave young men frequented downtown
in those days. Downtown continued to prosper after the war.
Then, in the early 1960’s, around the country, large shopping malls began to
compete with downtown businesses, and many locally owned stores in downtown
began to close. To combat the depressed conditions in downtowns, not only in
Toccoa but in other cities as well, concrete canopies were erected and streets
were closed, creating a pedestrian mall. In less then ten years it was evident
that instead of enhancing businesses and creating a positive downtown image,
these canopies actually accelerated downtown’s decline.
In an effort to revitalize Toccoa’s downtown, community leaders organized
Toccoa Main Street in 1990. In 1991, the Georgia Department of Community
Affairs (DCA) Resource Team recommended that the canopies be removed and
that the street be opened once again to vehicular traffic. However, for many
years the project was not supported. Despite this obstacle, Toccoa Main
Street implemented several improvements to the downtown area, and even though
businesses continued to struggle and many buildings remained empty and
in disrepair, a community vision emerged for downtown Toccoa's future.
Over time, and with growing support, approval was given to start the
canopy removal project. Toccoa secured funding of $1.3 million from
several state agencies as well as local funding in 2006 for the removal
of the canopies and the street re-opening.
CANOPY REMOVAL 20
07
DOYLE STREET, FALL 2008
AT THE ANNUAL COSTUME PARADE
2008: HPC DISPLAYING "THIS PLACE MATTERS"
SIGN, SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL TRUST.
Demolition of the concrete canopies began in February 2007. Interest in
the area began to grow as more and more new businesses realized the potential
that the downtown properties held for them.
To save the integrity of historic downtown, and to help preserve and
protect its unique character, the City Commission voted unanimously to
designate the downtown a local historic district on October 22, 2007.
Under cloudy skies on May 3, 2008, Doyle
Street reopened to traffic for the
first time in forty years.
Today, the City of Toccoa's
approximately 10,000 residents and
visitors alike help keep historic
downtown alive with activity.
Downtown Toccoa is once again
Northeast Georgia's Heart & Soul.
SUMMARY OF THREE PROJECTS
“It’s a new day in Toccoa and Stephens County and now is the time to journey
back to the foothills.” This is the invitation made by Connie Tabor,
Community Development Director. After almost twenty years of Main Street
revitalization efforts, Toccoa is seeing the results of the Main Street
approach at its fullest, being selected as one of the top ten Great American
Main Street Cities and the recipient of Georgia Downtown Association’s
Excellence in Downtown Development Award.
08
treet 20
Doyle S
CCO A
TE OF TO
at A TAS
DOYLE STREET 2006: With concrete covered
pedestrian mall (pre-streetscape).
PICTURED AT TOP OF PAGE:
Doyle Street (2009) after remova
l of
concrete covered pedestrian mal
l and
streetscape completion.
Not long ago downtown Toccoa was covered by
crumbling concrete canopies erected in the
early 1970’s, but in 2007 Toccoa Main Street
began removing the concrete covered pedestrian
mall. Efforts that helped contribute community
support for the project include: county-wide
public surveys, University of Georgia (UGA)
Market Study, a UGA design charrette, and
renderings of individual buildings without
the canopies provided by the GA Trust for
Historic Preservation and UGA School of
Environmental Design. To gather the necessary
funds for the project, Toccoa partnered with
six state agencies (Appalachian Regional
Commission, Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA),
One Georgia Authority, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA),
and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) that provided
$1.3 million, with additional local funding of $552,000.
During the canopy removal and street re-opening project, private
investment in downtown increased. In 2008, downtown saw 33 storefronts
renovated (under the guidance of the Georgia Mountains Regional
Development Center (RDC) Historic Preservation Planner), 11 new
business, 17 new jobs, 28 part-time jobs and 68 full-time equivalent
jobs retained, and private investment of $3.5 million. Toccoa’s Main
Street was re-opened to vehicular traffic. “The change in downtown
is stunning,” said Mayor Ron Seib. “Tourists and locals alike are
visiting downtown, and parking is now at a premium, especially at lunch.”
1995
TOCCOA RECORD
TOCCOA REC
ORD 2008
HISTORI
C
DEPOT 20
08
The Currahee Military Museum, featured recently in the GPB Series, Georgia
Traveler, and named as one of the best museums along the East Coast
by Blue
Ridge ________
Country _________
Magazine, is another attraction that continues
___________
downtown’s resurgence. Located in the historic train depot, the museum
features a massive exhibit of 506’s Easy Company memorabilia. This World
War II paratrooper company was popularized by the HBO Miniseries “Band
of Brothers.” The depot housing this museum was recently restored to
its pre-1940’s appearance. The depot building had previously been used
as a maintenance and storage area for Norfolk Southern Railroad. Now it has
been transformed into a publicly owned building that is home to the Chamber,
Welcome Center, Stephens County Historical Society Museum, the Currahee
Military Museum, and Amtrak. Funding for the million dollar project was
received through Transportation Enhancement Activity (TEA) and GDOT funds
of $400,000; local public funding of $100,000 and private investment funds
of over $500,000. The museum is now planning its second addition,
funded by SPLOST.
1990's
HISTORIC DEPOT
STEPHENS
COUNTY
COURTHOUSE
BUILT 1907
Enhancing Toccoa “as a Northeast Georgia destination” is the newly
restored Courthouse which anchors the downtown district. The renovation
project was overseen by a governmental appointed citizen authority.
Funded entirely by SPLOST dollars, the $2 million dollar renovation
project not only brought an historic 1907 building back to life, it
also added green space to the historic district and retained government
offices and downtown customers in the city’s square. Community support
for downtown funded SPLOST projects illustrates the new synergy citizens
have recognizing the importance of downtown’s heritage.
NOV 23, 2008 REDEDICATION OF
STEPHENS COUNTY COURTHOUSE
COURTHOUSE GREENSPACE
IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN TOCCOA
MISSION TOCCOA
Anderson Park
To Doyle St. Park
To Camp Toccoa
Currahee Mt.
Featured Projects
Food
A. Stephens County Historic
Courthouse
B. Downtown Renovation Area
1. West Doyle St. Median
2. Whistlestop Antique Market
3. Dr. Raybon
4. Olie's Ice Cream Parlor
5. Toccoa Commons
C. Toccoa Train Depot,
Welcome Center,
Chamber of Commerce, and
Historical Museum
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
4.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
BJ's Family Restaurant
Cornerstone Restaurant
Domino's Pizza
Gregory's at the Bus Stop
Los Primos
Olie's Ice Cream Parlor
Perk Up Cafe
The Rebel Cafe
Shirley's Sole Food Cafe
Sosebee's Hot Dogs
Stephens County Farmer's Market
Stewart's Drugs & Groceries
Antiques and Art
Lodging
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
2.
22. Country Hearth Inn
23. Simmons-Bond Inn
The Dream Giver's Art Gallery
Frames & Things
Hall Manor Mercantile
The Studio & Frame Shop
Troup's Studio & Gold Crown Hallmark
Whistlestop Antique Market
City of Toccoa 92 North Alexander Street Toccoa, GA 30577 Phone: (706)886‐8451 Fax: (706)282‐4064 Website: www.cityoftoccoa.com Population (2007): 9,133 RDC: Georgia Mountains State Development Region: 2 County: STEPHENS Congressional District: 10 State Senate District: 50 State House District: 28 Elected Officials Mayor Ron Seib Commissioner Bob Troup Commissioner David Austin Commissioner Janice English Commissioner Andy Pavliscsak Appointed Officials City Manager Billy Morse City Clerk Fredda Wheeler (Acting) City Attorney John Dickerson Stephens County Education COMMUNITY SCHOOLS: 6 county public schools with 301 teachers, 4,223 students, and 204 high school graduates in 2005. 3 new elementary schools completed in 1994 & 1996. For 1986‐87 the high school was recognized as a Georgia School of Excellence and a National School of Excellence. All schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. HIGHER EDUCATION: Technical College: North Georgia at Clarkesville (16 miles) with 1,771 students. 2‐yr: Gainesville College at Gainesville (43 miles) with 4,200 students; Truett‐McConnell College at Cleveland (32 miles) with 1,338 students. 4‐yr: Emmanuel College at Franklin Springs (31 miles) with 850 students; Piedmont College at Demorest (23 miles) with 1,998 students; Toccoa Falls College at Toccoa (local) with 821 students; University of Georgia at Athens (50 miles) with 32,941 students. Local Taxes PROPERTY: Property taxes are determined by tax rates and assessment ratios which vary by location. The only realistic way to compare property taxes from different locations is to use 'effective tax rates' (tax rate multiplied by assessment ratio). Effective tax rates combine city, county, school, and state tax rates into one convenient figure ‐‐ the annual tax for each $1000 of property at its fair market value. This rate applies to all property: land, buildings, machinery, equipment, and inventory. Effective Rates: City Year Within City Outside City $10.84 Toccoa 2006 $13.72 SALES: City and county have 3% local sales tax in addition to the 4% state sales tax. Incentives/Exemptions INVENTORY (Freeport): Freeport is the general term used for the exemption of ad valorem tax on inventories as defined by Georgia law. The law offers manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and warehouse operations an attractive inventory tax exemption on three classes of property. Toccoa and Stephens County exempt 100% on all classes of certain business inventory from property taxation. JOB TAX CREDIT: Tier: 2, Amount: $2,500 as of 2009 JOINT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Yes Municipal Services FIRE PROTECTION: 30 full‐time city and 100 volunteer county personnel. Protection outside city limits. Fire insurance classification 5 in city and 6/9 outside. ZONING: City and county have Southern Building Code and subdivision design standards. Transportation COMMERCIAL AIRPORT: Atlanta Airport (99 miles) service by Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, AirTran, America West, American, ASA, British Airways, Continental, Comair, Corporate, Delta, Frontier, Hooters, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Midwest, Northwest, South African, United, US Airways. Home of Phoenix Air Group, an international light jet transport service; Greenville Airport (65 miles) service by ASA, American Eagle, CO Express, Delta, Northwest, Pinnacle, United Express, US Airways Express. GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORT: Atlanta Airport (99 miles) with a 11,889 feet Bituminous runway, aircraft tiedown, airframe & power plant repair, hangar, lighted runway, VOR, ILS, NDB, 24‐hour manned control tower; Toccoa Airport (local) with a 4,000 feet bituminous runway, aircraft tiedown, regular and jet fuel, hangar, lighted runway, minor repair, VOR. RAIL: CSX piggyback ‐ Atlanta (98 miles); Norfolk Southern piggyback ‐ Greenville, SC (65 miles); Norfolk Southern rail ‐ Toccoa (local). Hartwell Railroad ( trunk line from Toccoa to Elberton). AMTRAK station (local). Utilities ELECTRICITY: A part of Georgia's modern integrated electrical transmission system, Stephens County has excellent ability to supply industrial demands. Compared to 47% for the U.S., coal accounts for 84% of fuel used by the state's power generating plants. This assures long‐term continuity. If demand exceeds 900kw, any supplier can step in and offer service. NATURAL GAS: Available in industrial quantities. WATER: Plant capacity: 10,000,000 gal/day. Consumption: 5,000,000 gal/day average, 6,000,000 gal/day maximum. Ground storage capacity: 2,000,000 gal. Source: Lake Toccoa, Lake Yonah, and Panther Creek. Daily flow: 139 cu ft/sec average, 111 cu ft/sec minimum. 24" line to Lake Yonah provides a 28,000,000 gal/day reserve. SEWER: Plant Capacity: 1,856,000 gal/day; Plant Load: 1,143,000 gal/day; Secondary treatment plant. Oxidation pond. Historical Markers of Toccoa George Washington Hitt 1913‐1958 Artist, Humanitarian, Philosopher ‐ In Henderson Falls Park Stephens County ‐ Courthouse in Toccoa Sources: GMA Membership Database, Georgiafacts.net, Georgia Department of Community Affairs