There is growing opposition to the latest plans the state Department of Transportation (GDOT) has for Gainesville’s Green Street, which is actually part of the state and federal highway systems (U.S. 129/Ga. 11). Several years ago, opponents to another state plan for improvements to the busy thoroughfare were successful in halting that.
Now, comes an organization that has begun a campaign to halt these latest plans which recently sent this out through Facebook:
“SAVE GREEN STREET!
NO, IT IS NOT TOO LATE!
PLEASE READ, COPY, COMMENT AND SHARE!
WHAT IS KNOWN AT THIS TIME:
The Appraisal Process should commence in the next several weeks. It was apparently delayed due to utility negotiations.
The winding sidewalk system has been all but eliminated, taking too much property and trees. The tree study shows 37 trees to be removed and another 68+ affected in the construction zone (root system, tree cover, etc.) Reminder: the stormwater project will disturb the root system.
Varying cost estimates now range from $25- to $100- million dollars for the roundabout and to remake a 4-lane road into a 4-lane road.
The roundabout is no longer round; it’s egg-shaped and may or may not close Academy Street but still comes within feet of both the Chamber and Hulsey, Oliver, Mahar buildings. We think the (Brenau) tiger is safe, for now.
The Rotary tree is wiped out as well as most of the “311 Green Street” lawn.
We hear of no resolution to backing round-up traffic toward Peach State nor the Coca-Cola building in peak traffic.
According to a 2024-25 report of Hall County Traffic/Collision Hot Spots, Green Street is not in the Top Fifteen safety concerns in our county
We estimate it will affect 3,000 employees, either directly or indirectly.
We also believe that the tax base / replacement value of properties along the street are in excess of $150 million.
MANY HAVE RAISED VALID, INTERESTING QUESTIONS:
Why spend $25 to $100-million, to end up with the same number of lanes and no alternative re-routing of traffic?
Construction Time Table: 18 months? 24 months? 36 months? Bradford St construction was estimated at 9 months – and took at least 24, shuttering 3 businesses.
Will property owners be fairly compensated for the taking?
Will property owners and tenants be compensated for business interruption or business loss?
While there is certainly need for improved drainage, is the median and widening necessary?
Has the city polled Green Street to see if a left turn prohibition is a reasonable traffic flow consideration?
How will tractor trailers safely turn around without a roundabout at Civic Center?
What is the extent of damage to the (68) trees in the construction easement above and below ground?
How will we access our properties during construction?
What is the plan for creating a redundancy for the fiber optic trunk line running down Green Street and serving 1000’s?
Are the power lines going to remain above ground – we have been hearing conflicting stories.
Will it improve the value of the individual properties or the businesses housed in them?
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
STAY INFORMED
Support the grass roots effort, we will have meetings and will be putting up signs soon!
Consider joining in a group legal effort
Write every elected official CITY, COUNTY, and DOT question the cost, the actual need, the impact on tourism, business and Gainesville character. None of them are taking responsibility and pointing fingers at each other as to who is in charge. WE NEED ANSWERS!
Once appraisals are released, join together in a joint meeting to organize next steps.
WE NEED YOUR HELP, TO HELP SAVE THE CHARM OF OUR CUMMUNITY! PLEASE REPLY AND SHARE! THANK YOU!”