Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Watershed Management
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): 5 and 7
Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area & Recreational Tourism Development - Lyon Farm Restoration Phase II - Cost to the County: $260,000
Body
Information Contact: Reginald Wells, Director of Watershed Management
Phone Number: (770) 621-7208
PURPOSE:
To create a repair and maintenance project for the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Lyon Farm Restoration not to exceed $260,000 funded through the Commission District 5 Reserve General Fund Reserve for Appropriation and the Department (POETA 105443-86101-521200-01.0-602321) 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. 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. In 2019, DWM completed the Phase I stabilization project consisted of repairing the original stone foundation replacing degraded framing, siding, porch flooring, , roof, and chimneys as needed for the farmhouse to bring the building to a reusable, safe and structurally sound condition.
The proposed Phase II restoration consists of stabilizing the historic structures. At this time there is no intended use for the structures and therefore, the intent of the repairs is to fix the structural failures, but not bring the buildings up to current building code.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This action will allow the CEO or his designee to set-up the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Lyon Farm Restoration Project of up to $260,000. Funds for this project will come from Commission District 5 Reserve General Fund Reserve for Appropriation (POETA 105443-86101-521200-01.0-602321) and the DWM Operating Funds repair and maintenance account 511-08032-522201.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
Approve the creation of the repair and maintenance project of Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Lyon Farm Restoration Phase II Project funded through Commission District 5 Reserve General Fund Reserve for Appropriation (POETA 105443-86101-521200-01.0-602321) and DWM Operating Fund (511‐08032‐522201) with a not to exceed budget of $260,000 and to authorize the CEO to execute all necessary documents.