Rockdale hosts open house to plan for county’s future

By Valerie J. Morgan

Rockdale County’s Planning and Development Department is preparing a comprehensive plan to guide development over the next 20 years and is seeking the public’s opinions.

During an open house on April 13 at the JP Carr Community Center in Conyers, community stakeholder shared their input on services and goals they would like the county to implement by 2037.

Rockdale Commissioner Doreen Williams, who spearheaded a survey last year to improve county services, praised Kirsten Cook, an engineer in the Planning and Development Department, for organizing the open house, the first in a series planned for residents and other stakeholders to weigh in on the county’s future.

“Kirsten did a phenomenal job. She took the survey that was done a year ago and developed maps, posters and comment cards that were divided into topics to get people’s input,” said Williams.

Williams said a participant could pick as many comment cards as he or she desired to answer. For example, one card labeled “Intra-County Bus Service” asked participants to map out a bus service that would be ideal to them. The “Green Rockdale” card asked stakeholders to share creative thoughts about implementing one or more ideas about (curbside recycling, walk-friendly and bike-friendly state, more greenspace and trees, etc.).   Another card labeled “Entrepreneurial Rockdale” stated: “It is in the best interest of the county to support businesses that provide jobs at a variety of skill levels. Which of the following strategies do you hope to see the county employ?” Check all that apply:

• Offering more tools to help navigate city regulation, permitting and licensing requirements
• Encouraging more shared work spaces, incubators and accelerators
• Supporting new areas where Rockdale’s strongest sectors can add office space and grow.
• Employing innovative approaches to provide affordable commercial and industrial parks.
• Please explain.
• What is your ZIP Code?

There also were maps where participants could identify where more restaurants and other businesses and services should be developed. Williams said county officials will announce when the next open house will be held. For more information, visit www.rockdale2040.com.