John Cassidy

This Parks & Trails Plan for NE Cherokee County outlines a 10-year strategy for developing three key recreational areas: Long Swamp Creek Recreation Area, Yellow Creek Road Conservation Area & Trails, and E.W. & Edith Cochran Park. The plan prioritizes passive recreation, diverse trail systems (hiking, biking, equestrian, blueways), and improved connectivity between parks and communities. It also emphasizes honoring Native American history, environmental conservation, and creating community-centric park experiences, with implementation guided by a detailed phasing and funding strategy.

The Work Session included presentations and discussions on several agenda items. The Cherokee Recreation & Parks department received awards, with the director highlighting team achievements such as District 5 Agency of the Year and launching a leadership academy. A significant discussion centered on Workforce Housing regulations, detailing the goal to attract essential workers and promote home ownership, with a public hearing scheduled for December 16th. Other business involved considering the resolution and bylaws for establishing a Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) Citizens Review Committee. Planning and Zoning items included a potential Board-initiated rezoning public hearing related to Pearidge Land Investments and consideration of the City of Holly Springs annexation request for 4.22 +/- acres. The Consent Agenda covered updates to the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP), surplus of Fire & Emergency Services computers, acceptance of EMS Annual Trauma Grant funds, and calls for public hearings concerning the abandonment of a portion of River Glen Drive and a zoning modification for Coma Properties, LLC. County Manager items included Intergovernmental Agreements for municipal elections and Animal Control services, as well as procurement discussions for Flock Safety cameras, Sheriff's Office range upgrades, EMS blood component supply, turnout gear purchase, Animal Shelter access control replacement, park dugouts, a Digital Case Evidence Management System for the District Attorney, right-of-way acquisition for the Holly Springs Parkway intersection, and an Emergency Notification System subscription.

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners held a work session that included a presentation on the Love Where You Live Community Giveback, highlighting merchandise sales and donations to the Homeless Coalition of Cherokee County. There was also a presentation on Impact Fee Updates, discussing their importance in mitigating the impact of growth. The board reviewed the Third Quarter Financial Results for 2025 and discussed a Workforce Housing Overlay, focusing on a use-based approach to address housing affordability. Additionally, they discussed the TSPLOST Citizens Review Committee and its role in overseeing program projects. The session also covered various public hearing items, including amendments to the Sign Ordinance, updates to the list of roads for the Ordinance Regulating No Thru Trucks, additions to the Animal Control Ordinance regarding roadside sales, and amendments to the Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco and Smoking-Related Retailers ordinances. The board also discussed a consent agenda that included budget amendments, a donation to Fire & Emergency Services, an alcohol license residency waiver request, and a subdivision acceptance. The County Manager presented items such as insurance and cyber security renewals, equipment purchases, and furniture purchases.

This document outlines the mission, vision, and values of Cherokee Recreation & Parks. Its mission is to cultivate active communities through recreation and preserve parks and facilities, aiming to make life better. The vision is to be acknowledged as a trend-setting and innovative leader, offering a diverse array of exceptional public parks, recreation facilities, and programs to make the county a premier destination to live, work, and play. Core values include inspiring the community, noble stewardship and sustainability, teamwork, health and reliable safety, exceptional fun and play, integrity and professional service, and innovative accessibility and inclusion.

The work session included discussions on a rezoning case involving a request to rezone 3.23 acres from R-80 to R-60 for a lot split, with intentions to build a home on the proposed parcel. The discussion covered the viability of a septic system, existing drainage easements, and whether the proposed home would be for sale or rent. Concerns were raised about the rezoning potentially being viewed as spot zoning and not aligning with the character area. Members also discussed potential developments and applications in unincorporated Cherokee County.