Harry Johnston

Parking Deck Placement Is No Easy Task

BY HARRY JOHNSTON

File this one under, “Nothing is easy.”

The county needs to expand the Justice Center in downtown Canton. It was built a little more than 25 years ago, to meet the space needs of the courts. Now, it’s bursting at the seams. " The expansion will take up space currently used for parking, which already is inadequate. So, the first step is to expand the parking. For years, we thought we could add a big parking deck on county-owned property behind the current small deck, which then would be torn down, to allow for expansion of the building. But, the architects hired to evaluate the site and lay out the new plan told us that wouldn’t work. The deep ravine and stream on the property make it virtually impossible to use, adding millions of dollars to the cost. And, putting the parking in the back of the complex is contrary to the goal of improving court security by routing everyone into the building though a single secured main entrance.

The architects’ plan is to put a large deck on the current parking lot behind the historic courthouse, which is the best-functioning solution for the courts. We began showing people that plan in January. Since then, there’s been growing opposition to it. Advocates for historic preservation and Canton’s visual appeal see it as detracting from the beauty of the downtown square and, especially, the courthouse. Advocates for the historic cemetery behind the proposed site object to the deck towering over the cemetery, and cutting it off from the square, visually and physically. To make the deck fit on the site, it’s designed so that all vehicular traffic to the cemetery would have to

drive through the deck. We might be able to adjust the plan to retain an open-air driveway, but that creates other negatives, and it doesn’t solve the other issues. In the face of growing opposition, the county has put the plans on hold, to consider all available options. We’ve convened a committee of interested parties to help, including the city of Canton. We potentially could shift the deck partly ... we thought onto a privately owned parking lot to the west. we could add But, that property isn’t for sale, and would be very difficult to acquire. Also, it would help only a big parking a little. deck on A more viable option could be to purchase an adjacent piece of property, where a small county-owned apartment complex is located, and put property. the deck there. That site would function acceptably, and the overall cost would be moderately higher than the proposed site. However, the city of Canton expressed concerns with " that option, partly because it would displace residents and eliminate a block of affordable housing. Solutions to resolve those concerns are being explored. That site also wouldn’t solve all the problems, but it might end up being the best available option, so stay tuned. As always, I’m interested in your thoughts about this and other county issues. Email me at hjohnston@cherokeega.com. Harry Johnston is chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. He's a retired CPA and accounting manager, and a former district commissioner.

WHERE RELATIONSHIPS

Take Root

PHOTOS BY BRIAN NEJEDLY

Rootstock is a place where old friends gather, new ones meet.

Long before plans for the recent expansion to Rootstock were finalized, Anna Daily visualized life in the new space. In fact, it wasn’t long after opening in September, 2017, that Anna and husband Sean, owners of Rootstock, began to realize the impact their restaurant and bar was having on the community — and on their lives.

“We always wanted to be a place where people could come and feel welcome, but I never realized how deep that could go,” Anna said. “Not only have Sean and I developed meaningful friendships, but we’ve seen the same happen with our patrons. Watching these friendships develop is so motivating.”

The original concept was wine and tapas, and a cozy space for friends to gather. Before long, Anna said Rootstock organically became a place where special occasions are celebrated. The pending completion of the two-story expansion allows room for those larger groups to gather, and includes: a bigger kitchen, a private whiskey club, a private event space, and a larger music venue. At press time, opening was estimated to take place in mid-October.

What’s New at Rootstock

More space.

The 2,000-square-foot expansion seats 73 diners for a classic brunch, an evening out to enjoy live music, or special occasions that can include weddings, rehearsal dinners or receptions, showers, or other important gatherings for families and friends. Patrons are treated to a scenic view of The Park at City Center and a glimpse of the amphitheater. “The upper level is more special than we ever dreamed it could be,” Anna said.

More brunch.

Executive Chef AJ Jones, who was trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Atlanta, was head chef at Rays on the River before coming to Rootstock. Her experience, and the additional kitchen space, have allowed her to bump up the brunch menu to include high-end options, like prime rib, omelets and pastries. Anna paints a picture to entice brunch fans: “Can you imagine, a nice fall afternoon, with jazz music and a breeze coming in the open windows?”

More music.

In addition to the rooftop, where live music has been a feature from the beginning, the new space has a stage with special equipment for lighting and sound; it’s an area perfect for a single musician or a small band.

More room for the chef.

The new, larger commercial kitchen allows Jones and her team to expand Rootstock’s menu. The Frenchtrained chef is moving away from tapas-style food to more traditional entrees that include flavors for all walks of life. “Her creativity is endless,” Anna said. “Her palate is so refined, it is effortless for her to create magical flavor combinations.”

More whiskey.

A focus on whiskey includes a private club on the first floor, and an online forum where like-minded people can discuss all things whiskey. Even better, Sean suggested, meet at Rootstock to enjoy pours together.

More dinners.

The ticketed wine- and whiskeypairing dinners have become regular events at Rootstock. “Our whiskeypairing dinners usually include a private barrel pick and are created to raise money for local charities. We have enjoyed having head distillers join us at Rootstock to tell the story of their products.

Winemakers talk about their vineyards and the chef comes out to discuss her food pairing choice for each wine,” Anna said. “Our tables are set up familystyle, and it is beautiful to see relationships/friendships created in this environment. The guests will return over and over with the friends that they made here.”

Executive Chef AJ Jones and Sous Chef Jacob Brown.

More exposure.

With so much more to offer, Rootstock’s website is updated constantly with special events, a live music lineup, and dinner and brunch schedules. Check www. rootstocknow.com for frequent updates, and to sign up to receive a newsletter that includes details on events at Rootstock before they are released to the public.

We look forward to many more years serving our community through ultimate hospitality and look forward to seeing everyone again this fall!

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8558 Main St., Woodstock 770-544-9009 www.rootstocknow.com EQD