Plans Underway for a NEW Clayton City Complex to Serve All

Ilove progress. It excites me and gives me hope for the future! So, when I was invited to visit with Clayton’s Mayor, Kurt Cannon, to discuss the plans for the new Clayton City Complex, I was delighted. I heard plans were underway to create a city complex for the community that welcomed residents and visitors. It would also be an amazing reflection of our city. My good friend and the city’s Mayor put it all into focus for me. I am pleased to share all that I learned.

Since coming into office, Mayor Cannon has worked diligently to bridge the gap between the City of Clayton and Rabun County. What he has found is a group of gentlemen who embrace working together for the good of our citizens. A willingness of both entities to work in unison for the greater good is the first step in getting some issues resolved and moving forward. Mayor Cannon expressed to me that he is very encouraged about the future of both the City and County governments.

One of the Mayor’s best moves was to put together a staff that shared his vision and had the professional experience to execute it. The addition of Clayton’s new City Manager, Trudy Crunkleton, Finance Director Patrick Vines, and retaining Public Works Director Jason Waldroup have put the city on level ground to move forward. “I met with other city and county governments across the state to see what they had put into place and how things were going for them.

I used these interactions to formulate a plan to bring our archaic system and dysfunctional system into a place where progress can begin. I am a resident and business owner in the City of Clayton, and I have a vested interest in a system that supports both”, Mayor Cannon expressed during our visit. He shared with me his vision for a city government that operates on the mission of clean, fair accountability with doors that are always open!

When we began talking about the Clayton City Complex, his excitement fueled mine and before our meeting ended I could see myself walking in the doors of this gift to not only the city but our county. “The building we are operating in is not sustainable. It was the old Clayton Elementary School, built in the 50s. The building is falling down, we have asbestos issues and it just is not feasible to continue housing our city government and police department. I imagine offering the residents so much more. This is their city!” Mayor Cannon said. He was introduced by a resident and friend to artist Kathy Fincher who, after meeting with the mayor, created a visual layout of the Mayor’s plans for the complex.

The complex would be a center for the City of Clayton’s City Hall, the Clayton Police Department, a theater for the creative arts, and a spacious lobby. Parking would be plentiful on all sides of the complex. The 18 acres available for the city complex would also include: an expanded community garden area, a playground for children, Foxfire Village – a heritage and cultural center, a walking path along Scott Creek, a dog park, an event and concert field with a stage for events that includes an event barn that could accommodate a large number of people, a garden featuring plants native to Northeast Georgia, Bocce ball courts, Pickleball courts and a place to play volleyball. This plan will provide not only a place for Clayton’s City Hall and Police department, but it will also provide indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities for all of Rabun County’s residents and visitors to our area. A Clayton City Complex that serves all and welcomes all, after all as Mayor Cannon said repeatedly in our interview, this is YOUR city and our county seat! What a blessing it will be to have a place we can be proud of and enjoy.

So, you may be asking what burden will this place on city taxpayers? The good news is that there is a City Complex team of advisors that includes a very impressive list of residents who are determined to offset that burden with grants, donations, and community involvement. The advisory council includes Joe Lockwood, Bill Bennett, Kathy Fincher, Suzie Flaherty, Lisa Phillips, Jeff Reeves, Cheryl Webster, Caroline Wallis, and Andy Davenport. Contact has also been made to each group involved such as the Old School Community Garden, Foxfire, North Georgia Community Players, the Rabun Pickleball Club (who just had their first fundraiser in March), and others who will be hosting fundraisers to help pay for the facilities they’ll have a part in. “This is a combined effort of folks who see the value in a new, updated Clayton City Complex. The Clayton Elementary School, that I and so many others attended has been a center for growth, serving families and future generations for many decades, it only makes sense that we would carry that even further. My vision not only serves this generation but my future grandchildren and their grandchildren.” the mayor said. A sentiment shared by all who have embraced the plan and see the benefits of the complex.

If you are interested in investing in the project or being involved I encourage you to contact Mayor Cannon or anyone on the City Complex Team. A good place to start is Mayor Cannon 706-968-8007 or reach out to Trudy Crunkleton by phoning 706-782-4512.

The Old School Garden will have its spring plant sale on Saturday, May 6th, 9-2 rain or shine.

Location: 76W just past the Clayton library on the City Hall grounds

Contact: Joy Lewis

706-782-9730/407-227-7396 or email joyelewis@aol.com