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Economic Development |
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Crawford County
Building
for the Future
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O'Neals Ribbon Cutting |
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| Cabinet Depot Ribbon Cutting |
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| M&M A/C and Auto Repair Ribbon Cutting |
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Aqua Wells Ribbon Cutting Click here for a list of businesses used for the Aqua Wells Renovation |
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| Family Dollar Ribbon Cutting |
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| Central Georgia Technical College |
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| Downtown Restoration Project |
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The quaint town of Roberta was settled because of the railroad in the early 1900’s. One man was willing to donate land for the railroad construction and Roberta was born. The lady for whom Roberta was named, Roberta Champion, who is now 96 years old, and still resides in Roberta. This enhancement project would be another dream come true for Mrs. Champion to see her own town restored to the busy, industrious, link of transportation in our county.
This project would be Phase II of Keep Roberta-Crawford Beautiful’s railroad reclamation efforts. Phase I has been completed. The five acres of railroad switch tracks have been constructed into a national award winning public park, with a ½ mile walking trail, park lights, custom built benches, gazebo, $5,000 water fountain, $10,000 town clock, and community pride. KRCB’s goal is to carry this theme to the streets of Roberta. The park, railroad depot, and downtown area are all in the proposed project area. Our community, including local clubs and schools supported Phase I with donations of money, time, and expertise of labor. Our $200,000 park was constructed with a cost of approximately $50,000 to our city and county. Residents are seen walking in the park from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. everyday. Has reclamation of abandoned property brought life to Roberta again? We can attest to the results and only dream of what Phase II could do for a small town withering away. This project would not only allow our town to blossom in beauty, but socially, economically, and improve the quality of life in our community. Will we have support again from this community? All downtown business owners have committed to painting and restoring their business fronts if this application is accepted. Our youth, clubs, churches, and volunteers will not stop unless KRCB gives up our dream and goal.
Our sidewalks are dangerous and injuries have already occurred. Lighting is inadequate and no seating is provided for those who might be waiting for rides or business appointments. The streets are bare with no landscaping. Our goal is to bring life into our community. The streetlights, benches, and handrails will match the park furnishings. A local blacksmith will again build the benches and handrails by hand. The sidewalks in the downtown area will be bricked on the sides, brick insets laid on the surface and brick planters built for planting small growing, evergreen trees. New sidewalks and curbing will be constructed along the business area to connect the town with all outlaying areas.
In1932 the old railroad depot located downtown burned and another depot built in the later 1940’s. Renovation of the depot is necessary to complete the picture and reclamation. The renovation will restore the building to the old railroad depot “look” using brown siding, changing the roofline and adding decorative construction. The building will be used for the Chamber of Commerce offices and welcome center. In our town park there are no public restrooms. In the lower level of the new depot, public restrooms will be constructed.
The park area has unpaved parking across from our business district and where the new sidewalks are to be constructed. All paving with marked parking and resurfacing is included in our total cost. KRCB has painted a beautiful transportation enhancement picture of an old railroad town.
God asked Ezekiel, “Can these bones live again?” Ezekiel said, “God only you know!” Can Roberta live again? KRCB believes we can, and this application would allow the bones of Roberta to rattle and put on new life. Impossible things can happen everyday, if we only believe!
Development Authority of Crawford County
P.O. Box 700
Roberta, GA 31078
478-836-3497
cbdc@pstel.net
Committees
Financial
Public Relations
Jim
Bond Commission
Chairman*
Brenda Carroll Bob Perry
Robert Dickey III
Charles Westberry
Leases
Education
Robert
Dickey III* Arthur Bentley*
Arthur Bentley Commission
Chairman
Brenda
Carroll
Bill Neace
Bill Neace
Incubator
Prospects
Brenda Carroll*
Charles Westberry*
Arthur Bentley Brenda
Carroll
Tri- County
Commission Chairman*
Brenda Carroll
Bill Neace
* Represents Chairperson of Committee
Industrial Park
| Baker Valve |  |
| Cabinet Depot |  |
| Cabinetry By Evans |  |
| Dow Chemical |  |
| Polywad |  |
Copyright © 2004 - 2007 Roberta/Crawford County
Chamber of Commerce
