Milton, Alpharetta address plans for Mayfield Farm

where a majority of residents agree to maintain consistent architectural styles, and where he currently lives, 25 percent of residents can make decisions for the rest.

Economic and Community Development Director Kathi Cook said that the 30 percent threshold includes only owners who reside on the property, but the percent to adopt the district can include developers.

Councilman Donald Mitchell said he found that element of the code troublesome.

“You moved into that neighborhood for a reason, because it looks a certain way, and it feels a certain way, and it has trees, and it has architecture that you like, and then all of a sudden you can get a developer that moves in and wants to change everything for all the folks who have been paying taxes on it,” he said. “There’s something about that that doesn’t ring fair to me.”

Councilman Doug DeRito said the property rights of all individuals are

See POWERS, Page 22

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — Three land lots off Mayfield Road, a 12-acre former homestead, could be the subject of a “Grow-A-Row” program.

As part of Milton’s goal to hone agritourism, the project would increase food security for local families and expand production at the 2.5-acre Old Rucker Farm, a joint program between the cities of Milton and Alpharetta.

The Old Rucker Farm produces 4,000 pounds of food each year, said Anita Jupin, Milton economic engagement manager. From that harvest, she said 2,100 pounds of food were donated to the North Fulton Community Charities food pantry last year.

Jupin presented the program for Mayfield Farm at the Milton City Council meeting March 6. A central aspect of “Grow-A-Row” is to engage residents on multiple food system issues, she said.

The Mayfield property was acquired in 2017 under an agreement with Alpharetta, splitting the cost of purchase. During that time, the cities identified a need for a future intergovernmental agreement that outlines daily and long-term decisions, maintenance, repair and upkeep, capital improvements and potential programs.

With collaborative efforts among Community Development, Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments, Milton city staff has been working to draft the initial agreement alongside staff from Alpharetta.

Emily Groth, Milton environmental program manager, presented other ideas for Mayfield Farm, like composting and organic waste diversion as well as educational partnerships with local schools, the University of Georgia Agriculture Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

See PLANS, Page 22