Area Calendar of Events
An area that has seen increased commercial development in the last decade will get a housing development to complement it if plans for a new subdivision are seen through.
Artisan Built Communities is planning to build a development featuring 286 homes on approximately 90 acres just north of U.S. 278, or Nathan Dean Parkway, in Rockmart.
The company, based in Dallas, has been approved by the Rockmart Planning Commission and received approval Tuesday night, Jan. 16, by the Rockmart City Commission for the annexation of the property into the city and its rezoning to PD-1, or planned residential development.
The subdivision is proposed to include 198 single family detached homes and 88 townhomes with dedicated green space.
The main entrance will be off Felton Drive, which passes Family Savings Credit Union, and direct traffic onto 278. A secondary entrance is being proposed on Noland Road behind Walmart and the Rockmart Crossroads Shopping Center that would intersect with Cartersville Highway.
Stephen Haines, president of Artisan Built Communities, told the city council Rockmart and the specific property poses “a good marriage” of what his company likes to do, which is to blend quality with affordability.
“As everybody knows, over the last few years it's gotten harder and harder ... for people to find not only properties, but properties that they can afford that also meet their needs. We don't just want to bring shelter to the area. We like to try to add to the community,” Haines said. “So for us, this creates an opportunity for us to not only create quality and affordable housing, but also build a nice community where people can feel safe.”
Plans for the development were displayed at the meeting, which was attended by around 40 concerned residents. The plan shows homes stretching from Noland Road behind Walmart to the west near the Sycamore Grove shopping center behind Triangle Foods.
The public hearing portion of the meeting had no one speak in opposition to the annexation or rezoning, however a few residents voiced concerns about traffic and infrastructure. Mayor Sherman Ross assured
Songs and words lifting up the work and spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. helped set the tone for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Walk in Cedartown on Monday, Jan. 15.
A highlight of MLK Day observances in the city, this year's event was the 19th for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Organization of Cedartown, Inc. and was hosted by Pastor Bobby Church and Marietta Street United Methodist Church.
The event began with a walk down Main Street to Sterling Holloway Park in front of Polk County Courthouse No. 2 followed by a program highlighting King's life and teachings, as well as other prominent civil rights movement activists.
“It is important for each of us to remember that the day we celebrate
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. continues to be more than a day off, but a day on. His life was a life of service, not only for Black Americans, but for all humanity when inequality and injustice prevailed,” said Michael Atwater.
Atwater served as the program's keynote speaker and thanked the Cedartown community for supporting the walk over the years.
“The theme `Strength Through Service: Based on the Civil Rights Movement' is a continuation of Dr. King's legacy for equal rights that mobilized a nation and began this fight for equality that still lives on today,” Atwater said.
“As we celebrate the life and the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther
The 25th Annual Sanctity of Life March and Memorial will be held on Saturday, Jan. 27 in downtown Cedartown. The silent march will start at 11:45 a.m. at the parking lot adjacent to Polk Farm Bureau on South Main Street and proceed to Sterling Holloway Park where the pro-life program will be held. Participants may carry signs or banners along the march route. For more information contact organizer Larry Tolbert at 770-748-0396 or visit the Facebook event page for updates.
The Rockmart Cultural Arts Center's 2024 Juried Art Show will hold it's reception Saturday, Jan. 17 from 4-6 p.m. at the arts center gallery. Luther's Mountain Bluegrass band will perform and the announcement of the winners of the Juried Art Show at 5 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public.
Habitat for Humanity — Coosa Valley is now accepting applications for homeownership for families in Floyd, Chattooga, and Polk counties. Those interested can find applications online at www.habitatcoosavalley.org or pick one up at the nonprofit's office located at 504 E. First Ave. in Rome. An information sessions is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, at The Depot at Richardson Field at 180