Former Mayor Joe Lane Cox would be proud. After nearly two years of planning, a downtown sidewalk project that he started in 2010 will be finished by summers end.
The goal is to tie as many subdivisions as possible to the downtown area, said interim Mayor James Grogan. Joe Lane was a dreamer and a visionary. He could see things other people didnt.
The current project stretches nearly one-quarter mile starting at the Lanier Quick Stop shopping center sign on Hwy 53 and heading east into town. A new crosswalk at the corner of Maple street and Hwy. 53 will allow pedestrians to safely cross the busy highway. The sidewalk will then continue along in front of Goodsons Pharmacy, United Community Bank, City Liquors, and terminate at the corner near Dawsonville Hardware.
Business owners in the city are in favor.
Im all for it, said City Liquor owner Russ Marcotte. Its a sign of progress. Its good for the community and provides safe access to the businesses here, especially for people that maybe cant afford a car, they can now walk.
Phil Goodson, owner of Goodsons Pharmacy feels similarly.
Its about time, he said. Ive been trying to get that done every since Ive been in business. Goodson started business in downtown Dawsonville in 1977. Its a big improvement for the city. We dont have to get into ours cars all the time, and we can get around without getting run over.
Most residents agree the sidewalks are good for the city.
I think its a good thing, said Laura England. It keeps you from having to walk on the road. I see kids at night running around in the road and thats dangerous.
Her husband, Troy England, a 20-year resident of the city of Dawsonville agrees.
This has been a long time comin, he said. Sidewalks are a great thing.
The Englands son, Gregory, said he thinks it will help when the moonshine festival is in town.
People will have a place to walk.
Resident Eugene Vest, however, disagrees on the sidewalk project.
Im a taxpayer, and theyre spending money that the city supposedly doesnt have, Vest said.