Public Hearing: YES ? NO ? Department: Watershed Management
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): Districts 5 and 7
Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area & Recreational Tourism Development - Lyon Farm Restoration
Body
Information Contact: Scott Towler, P.E., Director of Watershed Management
Phone Number: 770-621-7234
PURPOSE:
To create a repair and maintenance project for the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Lyon Farm Restoration not to exceed $150,000 funded through the Department of Watershed Management (DWM) Operating Fund (511-08032-522201) and to authorize the CEO to execute all necessary documents.
NEED/IMPACT:
The Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area is a 2500+ acre preserve that includes Arabia Mountain, one of the oldest granite outcroppings in the State (older than Stone Mountain), wetlands, pine and oak forests, multiple streams, two lakes, bike paths, hiking/walking trails (paved and natural) and a nature center. The Lyon Farm Homestead is located within the National Heritage Area in southeast DeKalb County. This homestead, under consideration to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is considered the oldest homestead in DeKalb County and as such is a unique County asset of historical value that needs restoration and preservation.
In 2006, DWM purchased the property as part of the Pole Bridge Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant buffer. As part of the purchase, DWM agreed to maintain the structural integrity of the historic house and historic outbuildings. In 2017, due to the lack of maintenance, the buildings were placed on the Georgia Trust's Places in Peril list. DWM, working with the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance, developed a plan to restore the structural integrity of the house and smokehouse to protect these cultural treasures for generations to come.
The proposed restoration consists of repairing the foundation and replacing ...
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