Ty Ross, Dalton city administrator, stands outside City Hall.DALTON, Ga. - An expected property donation Dalton will allow the city to build a greenspace south of the downtown area.
"This sort of fell into our laps when we were approached by the property owners," City Manager Ty Ross told the City Council.
The council voted Monday evening to accept the property from the Aladdin Manufacturing Corp., which is part of Mohawk Industries.
The donated property is a former industrial building off South Hamilton Street just behind the Office Depot. It is about one city block in size.
The old building is not suitable for more modern manufacturing needs and will be razed, Ross said. The city plans to use the area for a small park or greenspace.
During the meeting, City Council members also heard about ongoing greenway projects in the north end of town. University of Georgia landscaping architecture students Jason Dazzo and Kristen Carroll presented their proposed plans for the Crown Mill Park and connecting paths to Mount Rachel.
The project is part of Dalton's "Green Hat" plans, which aim to connect the downtown area to Crown Mill Park, Mount Rachel and Haig Mill Lake.
Dazzo and Carroll designed two trailheads at the west and south sides of Mount Rachel that will lead to biking and hiking trails on the mountain. Bike and pedestrian pathways will connect Crown Mill Park and the trailheads. An abandoned railroad track in the area also will be converted to a multiuse trail.
The city has received three state and federal grants totaling more than $800,000 to pay for the planned improvements.
"These changes are all part of our goal to make Dalton a true live/work/play community and make it more attractive to young professionals," Ross said.
Contact staff writer Mariann Martin at mmartin@timesfreepress.com or 706-980-5824.