I LIVE DOWN IN FLORIDA WHERE GROWTH IS ALWAYS HAPPENING EVERYWHERE. EVEN IN FANNIN COUNTY YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO STOP GROWTH, THE KEY IS TO CONTROL IT WITH BALANCE. FOR INSTANCE IN ST. AUGUSTINE FL. IN THE OLD SECTION NO ONE IS ALLOWED CHAIN STORE OR RESTURANT TYPE BUSINESSES. BUT IN THE OUTSKIRTS OF THE OLD TOWN THERE IS OUTBACK, FRIDAYS, HOMEDEPOT , TARGET AND MANY MORE. YOU KINDA HAVE THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS THE UNDISTURBED OLD AND THAN THE BRAND NEW IN ITS OWN AREA. GROWTH WILL ALWAYS CONTINUE NO MATTER WHAT.

Bingo m pet. We drove over for dinner & stayed late in St. Augustine one night and were taken by it for those reasons. Except for passing through, I’ve only seen it/hung-out at night, and it was charming (enchanting is a better word) x10.

In many Colorado ski towns they do not allow franchises. It’s actually quite refreshing to live 30-miles away from the nearest McDonald’s sign/grease stop. Does it hurt tourism? No, quite the opposite. That’s the model. Helen is an attempt that went wrong.

I think you will see more retirees wanting to build - the services will follow them. This can be a good thing in that it will create jobs - what to be careful of is that it can also price the locals out of the area. I live in Sarasota FL and house prices are almost beyond the reach of most service workers now. They commute in from 20-30 miles or more out. Also the traffic there is a nightmare now - never used to be.

I am a Florida resident longing to retire to Blue Ridge, own a home there. I pose this question/comment to Steve and Kip - How do you view Ellijay, Blairsville, Murphy & Hiawassee in comparison to one another and our town of Blue Ridge? From a non-resident’s point of view, I see Ellijay with their Super Walmart and the fast food joints out front as a town willing to take anything. Mind you I was happy to see liquor brought in but Ellijay seems to have lost it’s charm. Is Blairsville going the same way? Hiawassee, I see money there and am familiar enough to know there are places I can go to stop, have a drink and watch the world go by. I see Hiawassee as less “fast food chain” than Ellijay with a bit more pizzazz and class. Blue Ridge is a beautiful town but, as with the others, there is every fast food place known to man with few decent restaurants. I agree with m pet insofar as needing a combination of new and old worlds. But we also need to attract high end tourism. I was disheartened to hear about the resort possibly going to Lake Nottley. We need it in Blue Ridge along with a golf course. We need to attract Tour de Georgia enthusiasts. We need managed, controlled growth and to know when to say no to the super stores. Alas, I meander. I can do little not being a resident other than to voice my opinion but I love the town.

As a tourist from overseas who as had a number of visits to Blue Ridge and the surrounding towns over the the past 10 years (my last visit about 18 months ago), I have seen growth beyond comare. I once would have loved to have moved to the US and Blue Ridge inparticular, not now though. I have seen mountains disappear to be replaced with stores and fast food chains. Yes these establishments bring employment, but at what cost? So a few tress disappear, and a mountain or two. Tourists went to North Georgia for the countryside, the tress and the mountains, so the tourists have disappeared as a result.
Where do I see Blue Ridge in 10 years - a suburb of Atlanta another concrete waste land. It is sad really and all too late.
I will be checking out the places in Colorado where they do not allow franchises, and apparently the property is cheaper there as well!

My husband and I plan to retire to Blue Ridge in 10 to 15 years and to be honest , I’m really worried about the growth in Blue Ridge. I love Blue Ridge but I’m worried that it may be more like where I live now and I may not have the desire to retire there later. Blue Ridge has changed a lot since we bought property there in 1999.

My mom was blessed to have been able to live there for a few years before she died so Blue Ridge has a very special place in my heart and it always will. She loved it so much!!

Pease try to preserve its charm and beauty. We don’t want it to be like the suburbs of Atlanta. Blue Ridge really means a lot to me and my family.

I am Wanda’s sister and, like their family, my husand and I would love to be able to retire there also in several years.

Growth is inevitable since everyone is searching for the same thing…a peaceful, quiet, beautiful place that causes us to pause from our hectic schedules, slow down a bit, and reflect on what is really important…our families and our peace of mind. I have seen it go from just a few people walking around in downtown on a Saturday to not being able to hardly find a place to park now on most Saturday’s. I check out the webcam at least once a day and there are cars parked everywhere downtown even during the week.

I agree with M Pet’s comment that the key is to control the growth. Keep the downtown historic section of Blue Ridge like it is now with no chain stores. Even though downtown is busier than it was, it is still quite charming.

Yes, our Mom loved it and that’s why it means so much to our family. To us, Blue Ridge is not just a town…..it’s a place in our hearts.

Please keep Blue Ridge in your heart.

PLEASE TRY TO PRESERVE BLUE RIDGE AS IT IS….. A CHARMNG COUNTRY TOWN… FRESH AIR, NICE VIEWS, PEACEFUL AS NEVER IMAGINE. WE LIVE IN MIAMI FLA… LOVE THE SUN, THE BEACH, THE FUN .. BUT WITH TWO KIDS AND PLANNING FOR OUR RETIREMENT IN 10 TO 15 YEARS…..tHIS IS GOING TO BE OUR 4TH VISIT TO BLUE RIDGE FOR OUR FAMILY VACATIONS AND KIDS JUST LOVE IT. WE ARE PLANING TO BUY A CABIN IN BLUE RIDGE… BUT WILL CONSIDER OTHER LITTLE TOWNS IF BLUE RIDGE WILL BE TURN AS A CRAZY TOWN AS ATLANTA OR MIAMI… WE NEED FAMILY TIME, CULTURE, COUNTRY MUSIC, ARTS AND ENJOY WHAT NATURE HAS TO OFFER AND TAKE CARE OF THEM… THAT’S OUR LEGACY FOR OUR CHILDREN… WE ALREADY KNOWN WELL THE TWO WORLDS… MIAMI, A METROPOLITAN CHIC AND CRAZY CITY AND THE PEACEFUL AND RELAXING MOUNTAINS AND LAKES OF BLUE RIDGE… NOT COUNTING HOW SAVE WE FELT EVERY TIME THAT WE ARE IN BLUE RIDGE… LIVING WITHOUT SECURITY BAR IN BLUE RIDGE… UNBELIEVABLE!!! SO PLEASE, LETS KEEP BLUE RIDGE AND ALL NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS AS IT IS… A PLACE LIKE NO OTHER IN USA.

I think this issue shows that some action is needed on the part of local governments, and that they cannot maintain the “status quo” that has been in place for far too long.. They need to start taking a much broader view of the issue of growth and community and city planning. Don’t be afraid to look at other communities FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY (like many of the Rocky Mountain tourist towns), places in California (I know THAT will play real well around here.. haha) and even other cities in North Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina.. There are bits and pieces that can be gleaned from those towns similar and prior experiences with these growth issues. Why re-invent the wheel and make your own mistakes when you can learn from others’ mistakes? Our community is not a bubble where outside influences somehow do not apply - we are part of the States of GA, TN, NC and the United States - not some little local fiefdom existing in a bubble - so we need to start acting as such.

Growth is inescapable - but lets use it to our advantage in the area here… The good thing is that growth will bring people with $s to the area, who will spend those $s with US (but only if we give them a QUALITY product and experience). I think Atlanta’s growth is a great thing for Fannin County- Shirley Franklin (ATL Mayor) seems to have a vision of making Atlanta into a TRUE international city with a more vibrant and cosmopolitan flavor and is laying the groundwork to make it happen over the next 20 years - after the prior administration’s neglect. I also think that the shrinking distance between Atlanta and Fannin county is also a good thing generally - but the local leadership needs to position us to benefit from those things and not position us to be another Gwinnett or Forsyth county in the mountains - whether by making bad decisions or NO decisions on smart growth plans. All those new Atlantans who are living in all those thousands and thousands of high-rise condos springing up like mushrooms WILL NEED a place to come play, escape to and enjoy - and drop some $s - and who better to fill that need than the businesses of Fannin County with the natural attractions that we have to offer?

Create a small town atmosphere with all the good aspects of small towns (friendly people who welcome you, a sense of community, protected natural scenery and beauty) but dont be afraid to inject some of the great aspects of large cities (good infrastructure, quality and higher-end shopping, dining and entertainment choices presented in a tasteful manner) - this combination will be a winner..

As a resident of Miami Florida, an immigrant since 1970 and a new owner in the Blue ridge area, who is looking for peace and tranquility and a place to retire in the future and who loves nature, it would be devastating for me and my family, if Blue Ridge turns into another Miami, where newcomers have no respect for traditions and are trying to impose their own. I wish we will be able to maintain the small town atmosphere, the friendly people and a very important aspect lets support the local businesses. Let’s keep Blue Ridge and Old Town forever.

In today’s AJC (Atlanta Journal-Constitution), there is an article speaking about these very issues in the context of Atlanta and the region. Apparently, several of the region’s leaders (including Mayor Franklin of Atlanta) formed a delegation and visited Vancouver, BC, Canada to learn from their successes in City and Urban Planning, and how to make a more livable city and region - via growth planning and management. Apparently the Canadians have developed a 100 year growth plan that deals with how the region will grow while preserving the natural beauty and things people like about the area, etc. The Atlantans are hoping to copy their success where it makes sense.

Why can’t the leaders from Fannin Co. and N. GA try and do something like this on a smaller scale? It is not too early by any means to lay the groundwork and get leaders talking and thinking about how to make our region one of the best in the country with regard to growth. Go visit other similar sized communities in N. GA, NC, TN or wherever. Then draft a living document or plan that really thinks long-term and base other land-use policy, laws and ordinances around it. Of course, it will require some different ways of thinking about things, but the other choice is to get left in the dust of other communities progress (our neighbors), and run a greater risk of turning into Gwinnett of the Mountains - not a good alternative.

On another note, there is apparently a raging debate about these issues on a myspace page set up “just for Fannin County Natives - ONLY” - “saving” Fannin County!?!

http://www.myspace.com/savefannin

Everyone can read the comments, but if you aren’t “born and bred” in Fannin, don’t ask for permission to join or post comments to that particular page. I find this a bit amusing, and also at the same time, characteristic of many people’s attitudes around this area. Some of the posters are so naive about the world we live in that they think the “County Commissioner” can dictate how much employers are to pay employees, whether companies choose to locate operations in Fannin or elsewhere, how much real estate should cost and how much they should pay for a house or land. Oh yeah, and also that “locals” should have a lower price that they pay for everything than everyone else. Floridians should apparently be banned from the county in many of these poster’s minds.. (hmmm - last time I checked, Blue Ridge was still part of the U.S.A. -did I miss something?) - at least they shouldn’t all be rounded up and placed in detention camps! So count your blessings Floridians!

These provincial and naive attitudes are much of what is holding the county and region back from achieving all that it can be, while still keeping all that’s so good in place - and the gap in educational achievement will eventually come back and bite the county in the rear-end if it is not dealt with. Hopefully, we will see some smart people with good ideas who truly care about the county and its future lead into the future, and break down these silly walls that so many try to throw up between people and neighbors…

I agree with the St. Augustine comments. My parents own a cottage on the gulf on Captiva Island off the coast from Ft. Myers in Florida. No franchises, high rises, etc. are allowed and it’s charm is just great. Go over the bridge back to Ft. Myers and you can have any fast food, etc. you’d like but the old, the charismatic, the peaceful, the nurturing character is maintained. Much of what we love in Blue Ridge has those components. It would be just a tragedy to allow it to be lost at the price of “progress”. Growth management is absolutely the key. Great blogging from everyone…..

It sounds like we need some new leaders and guess where they will probably come from, how about the new people moving in?

No one moves to Blue Ridge to ruin it but it certainly seems to be at a tipping point, the town has to decide who it is for and what it really wants to be, does it want some sophistication and the changes that come along with that or does it want to put its energies into trying to hold back time?
Which is probably futile and will hurt the town more than help it. Worrying about Blue Ridge turning into Atlanta or Miami is just panic, we need calm thinking about helping to grow and maintain a terrific place.

The myspace page about Fannin is sad and very reactionary, growth can include everyone and hating people from Florida is just stupid, sorry. Hate doesn’t build anything. We have too much of that in the world already.

Some of you have asked for my input since I started this post. I will use the term Fannin for simplicity to mean Blue Ridge and all of Fannin Co. Fannin has more residents but both are facing the same issues. I am not a “native” of Atlanta or Fannin. I tell people in Atlanta that I lived there longer than most natives – since ’61. I have also been a Fannin Co. property owner longer than many natives there also – 18 years. I am also a permanent resident and registered voter of Fannin.

It is sad to see and hear the local opinions that blame “outsiders” for the issues facing Fannin. I remember hearing the same tones in Atlanta when I was growing up. Atlanta blamed their problems on all the Yankees moving south. Now they have added local politicians to the list. The local governments around Atlanta don’t get along and don’t think they should have to fix the problems. I think the same thing is happening in Fannin. There was a poll in the local paper a few weeks ago asking if the city governments in Fannin should be rolled into one county government. This was done with Athens, GA and Clarke County a few years ago. The response was a slight lean towards Yes.

The Myspace blog referenced by a poster concerns me. I realize the Myspace forums are oriented towards a younger audience. However, they speak what they have learned from their parents, peers and what they see. They blame outsiders, local employers and many others for the current problems. They don’t mention who I think are really to blame: their parents, neighbors and elected officials. Their parents and neighbors are the ones who have been selling all of the land to developers, Florida escapees and Atlanta weekenders. If they had not sold their land (for a nice profit) there would be no housing boom and destruction of the natural scenic beauty of Fannin. The local politicians are the ones who permitted all of this construction to go on without control. The city of Blue Ridge is the only part of Fannin that I am aware of that has zoning.

Speaking of zoning, there was another poll in the local paper asking if Fannin Co. should have zoning. This occurred after a property owner cut down about an acre of trees in the middle of a residential section of Fannin to put in storage units. The property owner was within their legal rights since there was no zoning. If I recall correctly, the poll showed some support for zoning but it was not overwhelming. These are the same voters who elected their officials.

Going back to Blue Ridge, they have a Master Plan that is required by the state to show general areas for development for residential, commercial and agricultural land. There is also a planning commission who reviews all requests for zoning variances and makes recommendations to the City Council. The section of 515 around June Walker Chevrolet has recently (and in years past) been clear cut and hillsides leveled. The planning commission reviewed variance requests to change residential zoning (per the Master Plan) to commercial and recommended to follow the Master Plan and reject the change. The City Council approved the first and then later approved the second because the surrounding area had recently changed to commercial (by their approval).

The county commissioners (past and present) have also approved variances. Since there is no zoning, their variances have been more related to property line setbacks and stream 50’ buffers. The more controversial ones have been related to steep access roads to houses (also the subject of a recent poll). The poll indicated citizens were against the steep access variances which included a deed statement specifying for future owners that the county had no responsibility for emergency service beyond the acceptable grade. Sure, there is always “buyer beware”, but is this the way you protect the environment and future residents. A house can catch on fire but the fire department can’t get equipment to the fire so several surrounding acres burn down. Maybe they know it will be “outsiders” who will buy the house.

There has been an outcry from the public to lower the elevation where ridge lines are protected from development. This has been talked about for several years. However, the county commissioners have not done anything. I am sure there are some developers and property owners who would be adversely affected if this was changed.

If you look at the Myspace posts you will see several comments related to pricing current residents out of the housing market. This is a very valid concern. The comments may not be directed at the right solution. But they are correct that the elected officials should be concerned. A proper population balance will be needed to support the “home town feel”.

These are the leaders the voting citizens have elected.

How has Fannin done compared to other areas? So far, I agree with Kip. Fannin has done better than Helen, GA. I haven’t been to Helen in 15 years because I didn’t like what I saw then. Ellijay has clear cut and leveled more land that you can see from the main highway. However, the commercial area appears to be concentrated in one area by major developers. This is in contrast to smaller, more numerous and spread out clear cutting in Blue Ridge. Maybe this is due to ignoring the planning commission and letting “friends” have their variances. There is very little commercial development in unincorporated Fannin because of the lack of sewage facilities. Maybe this is a good thing. However, sewage would restrict commercial to only those areas served.

Blue Ridge, Ellijay and Murphy have an advantage over Blairsville – the major highway bypassed downtown. East Ellijay is a different story but it really didn’t have a small town charm to begin with. This makes the “bypass” the logical place to keep the non-home town development. But, this does not mean you don’t need to control it. 515 is the first impression visitors have of Fannin. I would love to see tree and landscape planting mandated for all new grading or construction on 515. Some older buildings in Blue Ridge are being torn down for new or major renovations. I think this is fine as long as the old building had no significant contribution to a home town atmosphere. What is important is the replacement must fit in with a 100 year old town.

Planning and then enforcement is needed. I would hate to see the piecemeal development that is going on now continue. Natural beauty is being destroyed day by day. Now is the time to protect it. It is not the fault of out of staters, Atlantans or locals who buy what is built. It is the fault of elected officials who let it happen without proper planning and control.

Some have said other communities have addressed these issues and Fannin should not have to reinvent the wheel. I agree and am aware of two. But I would like to hear what others have to say before I post my thoughts on this.

I would love to see a concerted effort by the region’s leaders to attract more young entrepreneurs with a regional, national or international outlook to the area. With technology and the shrinking distance between BR and ATL, this is increasingly possible. No offence to the retired crowd at all, but these people could provide the drive and creativity to bring the jobs of the future to the area, while also providing some life to the area, and bringing a greater economic impact via business spending and employment, etc. The only thing for younger people to do in BR area now seems to be construction-related or lower paying service jobs, which need to be diversified into the future via other opportunities. This would in turn, encourage a greater level of educational achievement in the area, higher income levels for many of the natives, and other good benefits. However, these issues will take strong leadership by the local officials, which I don’t know that we have yet, but it is hopefully getting better with time.

With the natural assets the area has to offer, it would seem to be an easy sell to young entrepreneurs and families, provided a few more diverse social opportunities and such could be offered - and some sort of nucleus is formed- until then I guess they will have to keep the umbilical cord to Atlanta or Chattanooga attached for certain things!

Blue Ridge is indeed a wonderful town in a gorgeous part of our state. I think the key to keeping BR a small town atmosphere is to try to maintain the small town mindset. Yes, some growth is good and necessary. Welcome the visitors on the weekends and their support of the local economy. Keep the downtown local merchants, support the local businesses with your spending, and control the growth. My husband and I both grew up in very small towns; we have been in Atlanta for about 30 years and can’t wait to get out of the city. We have identified BR as the area we want to move to recapture the wonderful spirit and lifestyle of small town living. In less then 3 years we hope to be two of the smiling faces you see on the street in Blue Ridge. We look forward to becoming a part of the Blue Ridge community, getting to know our new neighbors, and finding a nice little place to call our own. I suspect it will take wild horses to drag us back in to Atlanta once we get settled in.

As far as Steve’s comment about N. GA towns that have instituted some sort of Architectural Review or similar, Helen would have to be one, although I agree with the general sentiment here that it is NOT the way Fannin should ever go. What Helen DID do well, was make itself a destination town, with plenty to attract Atlantans and others to come and spend dollars. However, the whole Faux Alpine thing leaves much to be desired. Just down the road from Helen, Nacoochee Village (there is a winery and restaurant, etc.) seems to be a much better addition to the area and is themed to look like “old North Georgia” versus the faux Alpine look.

One of my hands-down favorite towns in the region that I think is doing it right and is on the right track is Dahlonega - which is also a town that has some architectural standards (at least in the downtown square area) . I have owned several properties in Dahlonega for a several years and have watched with excitement how their local leadership in cooperation with the local businesses and Chamber of Commerce, etc. are in the process of really making the square a showplace - improving it every year, and preserving it nicely, while offering some great amenities such as upgraded dining, nice shopping, etc.

Dahlonega seems to have taken off lately and has avoided many of the big box retailers and fast food establishments messing up the historical character of the downtown square district. This is helped in part due to the fact that GA 400 dosent really come near the square, but is 6 miles away. The requisite Home Depot and much future commercial development sites are located at GA 60 and 400 far away from the historical buildings (similar to Ellijay’s big box district, just further away from town). The town Wal MArt and many of the fast food joints are on the bypass and are still a comfortable distance from the historical square.

Dahlonega also passed the drinking thing about 3 years ago or so, and it seemed just like here in Fannin, debate-wise - it was a real knock down, drag out for a while - with all the naysayers trying to say the sky is falling, scare people, etc, etc.. But after it passed, instead of the chain restaurants all coming to town and setting up shop what has happened is a lot of the quaint downtown dining establishments began to offer their patrons wine, mixed drinks, etc. and these places actually upgraded themselves somewhat and now are better than the years prior, and there really is no downside that did not exist prior to the change.

Dahlonega also seems to be positioning itself as part of Georgia’s growing wine and vinyard industry, and has developed a focused campaign to capitalize on it for visitors - at least that gives everyone a rallying point to focus on as the community heads into the future.

Thanks Steve and John for all the information, I agree with John wholeheartedly about young entrepeneurs coming into the area, that is exactly what Blue Ridge needs to give it that certain something that will make it shine and bring the right kind of growth and prosperity. Good local government is needed now!!! Also, I have seen with my own eyes some of the very steep access roads to houses when looking for a house of my own, and i knew right away this had to be a dangerous thing, I don’t know if perspective buyers are aware of the deed statement, but it sounds like a disaster waiting to happen to me. It is true that these homes are mostly owned by new people, personally I wish they were not allowed to build roads that steep. I grew up in an area which has created a wine industry from scratch over the last thirty years and it has taken off beautifully and not incidentally saved the area from development and supported businesses around the wineries, it’s a beautiful thing! I hope north Georgia does the same.
Thanks again, more information is greatly appreciated.

What is happening in Blue Ridge and Fannin County is not growth— it is uncontrolled sprawl, and it is tragic. And in the absence of effective zoning and planning standards, it can only get worse. Lake Blue Ridge, fortunately, remains attractive, and has not been blighted by commercial development or condominiums and apartment buildings, as Lake Chatuge has been.

My parents built one of the first houses on the lake, in 1931. When I was born in 1939, I was brought to Lake Blue Ridge from the hospital, and have spent time here every summer of my life. The change is astounding: from a completely rural backwater with no supermarkets (we bought vegetables from local vegetable gardens and kept a chicken coop behind our lake house) to Home Depot, McDonald’s and the unmistakable signs of strip-mall blight.

There are models for how to do it right— to allow growth and the arrival of modern conveniences, but to do this while preserving green byways and the scenic beauty that brings people in the first place. One good model is the state of Vermont: growing, filled with retirees and refugees from Boston and New York, a mecca for tourists, and yet green and unspoiled. The secret? A solid consensus supporting “smart growth” and the preservation of green space— and very, very strict zoning and development regulations.

Can Georgia and Fannin County develop such a consensus? I’m not at all sure. Atlanta— the blob that ate Georgia— is creeping up the road toward Blue Ridge and nothing seems to be in place to stop it. The bulldozers are leveling mountains right and left, billboards are proliferating, gimcrack commercial zones are multiplying, and the blight is spreading. In short, the scenery that first drew people to these hills is now being destroyed.

My guess is that the “outsiders” are the most likely saviors of this beautiful region: people who, paradoxically, appreciate the scenic beauty of Fannin County even more than the natives. This was the case in Charleston, S.C., whose renaissance has been supported most strongly by outsiders who moved there from afar. But if it’s going to happen, it needs to happen soon. The bulldozers are growling, and another hill will be leveled tomorrow.

I agree with Irvin, it will be the continual flow of the newcomers who will make the zoning and change happen, however it seems the local people who own most of the property along 515 are clear cutting and speculating to sell off this property to the businesses that will come. It is a shame not to have controlled growth and to keep the green space along 515. Look at Ingles/Roses parking lots. No landscaping or trees. I like the comment about keeping the old town-not allowing chains and having areas of the chains. However a small town in New England- Southbury, CT. has a lovely way of keeping all of the new buildings to look like Old Colonial, while housing Pier 1, Starbucks, and other chain stores. You would never know it was a retail shop only the nice sign(not billboard) revealed itself. There is a way to develope with taste and pride and style! To have tunnel vision keeps the creative shortsided. We can all make it happen-write to the local paper and community leaders and local businesses.

Hello. as a resident of blue ridge. I can answer some of your questions about the changes.
first change is going to happen! But controlling the change is vital.
Each county has a different view point on this, ellijay, or gilmer county has opted to bring in more commerical business. Which they have done, but they have also put zoning into affect, so they can control where that commercial business will go. To do this they needed to be able to pour alchohol. So that too passed. And to offer city water and sewer, so that had to come as well, which is another important reason to control where commercial goes.
Fannin county does not want to bring in commerical. Other than a few needed buisness, such as home depot and perhaps a additional grocery store.
Not having a pouring license is keeping out the big box resturant busiess, as well as not having the sewer capability to support alot of big business.
In time it is manys hope that we will pass some laws to allow beer/wine pouring but in a small “downtown” district, to bring in quaint resturants, not the big name types. And not allow pouring on the highway, but that is where we encourage any other large type stores.

Change is going to happen no matter what, so we all need to be involved with what is happening, to help make the decisions of the direction we go. And if you cant vote here, you can voice your concerns as a 2nd home owner, or potential future full time resident.
Talk to the merchants, and to the mayor, to the county commissioners your neighbors etc. Not to voice complaint, but to voice desire.

Save Fannin is a web site run by very young and very niave locals who are proud of being rednecks. And I might add that their are a small group in numbers. Having taught for 37 years I know most of them and my recent conversations with a few members have caused little change in their views. Ignor them and look for the views of local residents elsewhere. They are not taken seriously even by many their ages.

I do have a question. How can we stay small town with so many people moving here? Yes, we are busy trying to add ways to manage growth. But even with restrictions those of you moving here will change us by sheer numbers. Ultimately our only hope is that 43% of the land in FC belongs to the Forest Service. Towns and Union County have similiar numbers. Gilmer only has 20%. I went to a TVA hearing yesterday and looked at maps of several lakes. Blue Ridge, Ocoee/Parksville, Hiawassie and Fontana have a great deal of protected land, Nottley has less and Chatoge virtually none.

I think your opinion is right on. I can appreciate the “green approach” to conservation as long and I don’t feel preached at with liberal rhetoric. Education is key, and I don’t think locals feel they need to be educated about the area they have lived all their lives in. I equally would like to see better zoning laws, as well as strict covenances that enforce community conformity on exterior businesses. Nothing looks worse than a court house with an exterior that better fits the Miami area.

>>Nothing looks worse than a court house with an exterior that better fits the Miami area.

Ya know, though I’ve more-than-glanced-at countless FL commercial blueprints, I couldn’t quite place it until now, thanks.

As you have probably gathered by my previous comments on other blogs, I am not a Georgia native or a resident of Blue Ridge, yet. (I do own property there.)
So most of my information on the building and growth of the area comes from my occasional visits and the Blue Ridge blog. But I must voice my feelings on this issue also.
If growth of the city or county is inevitable, it should be limited and done in a way so as not to disturb the scenic beauty of the area or the people who reside there.
Managed, controlled growth, from what I have read, appears the way to do things. The certain companies, business, etc., that are allowed to come in should not destroy everything in site, but build in a way to blend in, preserve and respect the land that they build on.
I am not a builder or developer, but I guess if that happens, it would probably work. All should realize though, that money should not be the main factor in all this.
Where I live now, in the western end of a southern county in Florida, the building and growth issue happened, although to a larger extent.
With it, all the problems followed. It was once somewhat peaceful, quiet and beautiful. That all changed.
The powers gave in, and gave up more and more and it is now a nightmare. Traffic, congestion, crime, overpopulation, large shopping centers and malls, large-scale building and major roadway construction, etc., all came with it.
Now don’t panic! I’m not saying all this is going to occur. They are just examples of what can happen in an over-populated area.
If there were limits set, they were way overdone by the city, county commissioners, government and builders and it now seems they allow almost any type of construction. It is so bad and so overcrowded; that the only way they can now build is up, with high-rises and large housing developments coming in to play.
You, we, or whoever, cannot let something like this happen to Blue Ridge. It is too beautiful an area. As another writer stated, strict zoning and development restrictions and regulations must be put in place first and they must be strictly enforced. It’s going to take planning and level heads by the voters, residents, business owners and powers in charge to handle all this.
Am I correct in stating that the tourist industry funds quite a bit in Blue Ridge? If so, I’m sure people come there for its rustic charm. Even though I would like to see Blue Ridge remain that way, I guess I would have to agree with John who stated that if growth comes, there should be that balance between the small town atmosphere and larger businesses with the old North Georgia look and appeal left in tack. And I do understand his comments about better jobs, education, and higher pay for the residents, young and old. I just hope Blue Ridge doesn’t pay a drastic price, so to speak, for all of this. I wish, as I’m sure others do, that I could move to Blue Ridge sooner so I can become more involved, but for now all I can do is put pen to paper.
As for certain people who consider us outsiders, it’s true, we are right now, but we just might be the ones to someday save your area from becoming another problem plagued city or county, like there are in other parts of the country.
And if you make Blue Ridge like everywhere else, and these negative occur, people will go elsewhere to live and vacation. If you really have to make Blue Ridge a better destination town, as you say, do it in a way as not to destroy it.
I know a lot of those born and raised in Blue Ridge, or are long time residents of the area, have a different view towards this discussion (and others) as I do. I can understand that. But as far as myself and others like me are concerned, Blue Ridge is heaven and I guess we would like to see it remain like that.
I really don’t have the solutions to all of this, as I said I’m not a developer, builder, politician or even a voter there, yet. All I can do is voice my concerns and opinions. I just hope Blue Ridge doesn’t loose the charm and appeal of such a beautiful area.

Interesting article today on Blue Ridge and, more specifically, north Fannin (Copper Basin) & Copperhill, from the venerable Financial Times of London newspaper. Our area was profiled in the same column that recently covered redeveloping areas in L.A., Peru, Bucharest, Romania, Istanbul, among other places…

Much about the positive changes in this particular area..

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/a7079bac-35a5-11dc-bb16-0000779fd2ac.html

John,,,thanks for letting us know about that Article from the London newspaper. It was very interesting!!!!!!

Wanda

I heard if Star Bucks opens a new store, then the area is good to buy. They are doing a very extensive research om where they should open - the cup of coffee is 4 dollars can not be afforded everywhere. I saw last time I was passing Ellijay they will have it on the WalMart plaza. So this is defenetely a sign for changes.

I think as much as locals don’t like the way it is going to be, this is the only way for it to be. We can not stop the progress. it is a government role to preserve a lot of the mountains, but they can only do so much.

I have 2 cabins in Blue Ridge, both are more on luxury level. The type of people that are coming - business people, professionals can afford many things and they will spend money in Blue Ridge if have an opportunity.

They complained that on weekend nights they have nowhere to go and town is very “slow”. I always felt this is why I like to be in mountains, but apparently this will change.

“slow’ is good, here in the mountains. I was by the BRMAA and I stopped in to see what was going on, just as someone called in who was coming to the area to see what was going on and just as someone else walked in to find the “visitor center”. It is more about fullfilling the “needs’ of the people who are fueling the local economy while preserving the local flavor. The BRMAA seems to get calls all the time for “information about what to do in the area”. I think people just want places to go and meet other people, socialize and experience culture and new flavors!! Speaking of which, with wine being served great foods can accompany and therefore bring talented people to the table. No pun intended!

The biggest changes are on 515 where mountains trees are removed to make way for auto dealers and other businesses. This might be a more pressing issue than the pouring license issue, especially when not a tree stands in the new “strip malls”. Billboards are also an eyesore and distastful, just like brown bagging it!!

i love blue ridge. i think it doesn’t look at pretty as when i bought my cabin 10 years ago. i am distressed at how the home depot was built; the shearing off of mountaintops…the strip centers and ugly signage. I do think there should be some control of rampant franchise businesses and making sure there is greenery in parking lots, etc. i am also seeing lots of cabins being cut into the ridgelines cluttering up the view of the mountains.

one of the biggest heartbreaks is all the litter. i spend the first hour of every trip to my cabin cleaning up trash that was thrown from cars.

i think the locals resist some of the suggestions because they think it is an afront to their native status. and i understand that, no body wants outsiders to come in and start telling the locals how everthing should be done. but as an outside who wants to soon be a fulltimer i am hpoing for maintaining the small town and the glorious natural beauty of fannin county.

Become full time then you can vote on these issues!

When is the Blue Ridge Cam coming back online?

I have everything ready to roll, but I’m waiting on a free cherry-picker. The one that was offered is in the shop in ATL. If anyone has access to a bucket truck or a man-lift, please contact me.

It’s just too high for a ladder, but because of that, the view will be much better and hopefully worth the wait.

Teenage Thieves and Break-ins-
Tarnish BlueRidge / Morganton’s Peaceful Reputation.

For well over a decade, I have always thought of the BlueRidge and Morganton area as a quiet and peaceful retreat. Some of my best memories involve my wife and dogs hiking, camping and canoeing the lake with family and close friends in the North Georgia mountains of the Fannin county area. Those years of enjoyment led to purchasing a small bit of wooded acreage, followed by the lifelong dream of building a second home there. Some day I hope to make it my permanent home. For the past six years, we have enjoyed both the scenery as well as the good and generous people and businesses in the area. Recently we have twice arrived at our home only to find that the door has been kicked-in and our home rummaged and robbed. Local police are confident that it is the work of nearby neighborhood teenage boys. As we filled out our (second) police report, the Sheriff’s deputy said that robberies were growing more and more frequent, with reports of multiple break ins occurring regularly. I am not a rich man, but I have always considered myself to be a fortunate one. I have managed to repair and replace my broken doors and frames two times now. I have mulled over the security of my pregnant wife and soon to be born son. I now wonder if it wouldn’t be better to sell my place altogether and leave the area warning others of the same. Instead, for now I have decided to work with a local security business and police to try to discourage further burglaries.

Objects stolen range from reproduction stone flint-spearheads made by me, to hand-crafted Stone Indian tobacco “peace” pipes fashioned by the hand of my father. These items were not antiques nor overly valuable items, just precious crafts hand-made by my family. Additionally, the teens have destroyed doorways, smashed tables, and stolen countless other articles from my home. They have rummaged through our bedrooms, clothing drawers, smashed glass and taken beer and alcohol from my pantry. Some call my level of damage and theft “lucky” compared to others and that saddens me. None the less, if I am able to make a conviction of these teens or any who were involved, I will prosecute them to the farthest extent of the laws allowance. I have been reduced to showing the same courtesies as those they have bestowed on me when they entered my home as thieves.

As a boy, I grew up in a small town in Northern Michigan’s upper peninsula and to me BlueRidge has always been my adult home away from home. Until now, it has been a place where I can go to get away from the stresses of adult life if only for a weekend. My childhood town was considered a haven for tourists and cabin-weekenders, much like yours. The reputation of a peaceful and restful community is what brought people to us and with them of course their money. Money that helped to support our family and community. The same money that I now spend in your community, in the form of monthly taxes, utilities, and patronizing local establishments. I hope that families in the area can express upon their teenagers the importance of a positive reputation and the long term relationships with vacationers and weekenders. Please help me to make sure BlueRidge and Morganton remain the quiet and peaceful place I remember of the past. Thank you.

Brian, confessed weekender.
Marietta Georgia.

It seems to me most of you miss the point. It’s the invading masses buying a “retirement home”, “vacation home”, second home in the mountains that are the cause of the problem. You can’t expect to move there, then set rules on who else moves there. You are the root cause of sprawl in what was once pristine wilderness with small local NATIVE communities.

Your speculation and building raise the cost of living for the local communities that live on modest incomes and force them out, which I’m sure you have no problem with. When you’re wonderful view is bastardized with other houses and ex-urban hideousness, where will you move then? Your shortsighted and selfish decisions are the blame for the blighting of the landscape.