WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2017
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PHOTO SUBMITTED
In an artist’s rendering, a proposed bridge would allow travelers of the path the ability to cross I-85 without the danger of traffic.
Proposed trail system unveils map, name
‘LINC’ SYSTEM WOULD CREATE 25 MILES OF MULTI-USE TRAILS By MAGGIE BOWERS maggie@newnan.com T he loca l com mu n it y welcomed a special guest recently, courtesy of the University of We st G e or g i a a nd Cowet a’s ArtRez program. Award-winning poet Allison Joseph arrived in Newnan for a short stay, primarily at Gray Cottage, a quaint, downtown home and studio intended for visiting artists. Though most visiting artists remain in Coweta for up to a full month, Joseph, also a professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, had a limited visit of just two weeks. In that time, however, she managed to share not only her poetry, but also her insight, tutelage and humor. “I like it here,” Joseph said of Newnan. “I enjoy a place where I can simply walk right into town.” The poet echoed that sentiment in an anecdote she offered to New na n High School students during a visit to the school. Joseph noted that she grew up in New York where public transportation is the norm and, as a consequence, the poet is not a driver. “I’ve been telling people all over town that I am a member of an oppressed minority group,” Joseph explained to students. “And, I’m tired of the way I have been treated in this country. My anger and frustration is mounting, and I will reveal my status to you today… I am a pedestrian American. “Yeah,” Joseph added. “I’m a black woman, too. That’s pretty obvious.” page 4 The poet continued with tales of her personal plight as a non-
driver, adding that she did not, in fact, learn to operate a vehicle until well into adulthood. “ T h e n , w h e n I a t te m p te d to learn to drive, I crashed the driver’s ed vehicle,” she said. “I crashed it into a stationary van.” The poet read aloud several of her compositions to students during her time in the classroom at Newnan High, offering up stories about her life in New York, as well and her work as a professor. Joseph has since left the Gray Cottage, but during her stay in Newnan, the poet managed several readings and lessons, including a visit to Spelman College in Atlanta, a reading in Kathy Cashen Hall at the University of West Georgia, a session with students at both Newnan High School and East Coweta High School and, f inally, a reading at Oglethorpe College in North Atlanta. There also was a weekend-long visit at AIR Serenbe, a nearby artist-in-residence program offered in the community of Serenbe in Chatta hoochee Hills. Despite a number of awards, multiple publications and her acknowledged ability to paint a memorable portrait of the world around her with words, Joseph said she does not consider herself an artist. “Maybe a wordsmith,” she said amongst new friends and ArtRez board members. “I’m no William Blake.” At home, Joseph is director of the Young Writers Workshop at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, a program she founded
POET, page 2
By CLAY NEELY clay@newnan.com A proposed multi-use trail system designed to connect the many areas of Coweta County is now a little closer to becoming a reality. In a recent meeting, nearly 150 supporters and residents gathered at the Newnan Centre where plans for the proposed trail system were unveiled, including the name – LINC. LINC is not an acronym, but simply a way of showcasing what the feature can do for the community, according to Greta deMayo, principal owner at KAIZEN Collaborative. “We chose the name ‘LINC’ because you have all these connected pieces and links getting you to different locations,” deMayo said. “The idea is naming these spurs for the places they go like the hospital, fairgrounds or downtown.” Ed McBrayer is the executive director for the PATH Foundation, a nonprofit group which assists cities and counties looking to embark on a trail project. His group has over-
LINC, page 4
Newnan takes step toward outdoor alcohol By REBECCA LEFTWICH becky@newnan.com Downtown restaurateurs are one step closer to being able to serve alcohol outdoors as the Newnan City Council agreed to consider amending the city’s alcohol ordinance. During a recent weekly meeting, the council voted to place the amendment on its March 28 agenda for a second reading. Assistant City Manager Hasco Craver presented a recommendation to allow alcohol sales and consumption in cafe seating areas, as well as on city streets and sidewalks during certain city-sanctioned events. During discussion, council members 1 Xtra front
Wednesday
seen the development of many successful trails, including the Silver Comet Trail in Atlanta and Carrollton’s GreenBelt. McBrayer discussed the possibilities for keeping Newnan connected on a path system. The primary, and preferred, system is a greenway trail – a path fully removed from any nearby roads, around 10 to 12 feet wide, and constructed of concrete. Where greenway trails aren’t possible, a shared-use side path is. These paths are generally closer to the road, and separated by at least five feet of trees and landscaping. One of the primary drivers for creating a path system in a community is not only the added health benefits that come from a more active population, but economic opportunities. A path system serves as an economic driver for many companies looking to keep and recruit younger talent, according to McBrayer.
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expressed some concern over compliance with safety and federal disability regulations specific to outdoor areas where alcohol would be served. Craver said that city code enforcement could handle any issues and that he doesn’t anticipate conflicts. “I’m hoping that because the restaurants came to the (Downtown Development Authority) and requested this, they will be compliant and cooperative,” he said. Exploring the idea of using city sidewalks for cafe seating and special event alcohol service was first mentioned in the authority’s 2012 Strategic Plan. Ten of the 17 downtown restaurants currently hold an alcohol pouring license.
8, 2017
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PHOTO BY MAGGI
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