ABOUT US

Called the Newton County Community Improvements Act, the legislation sets in motion improvements to make the U.S. 278 corridor more dynamic and attractive to high-end businesses, as well as increase property values for owners already located within the CID.
HWY 278 is an arterial road that connects Atlanta to Covington. As a gateway to the downtown, it currently falls short. The existing architectural character is rooted in the mid-20th century and newer buildings. There are a series of one- and two-story retail spaces, and several larger, notable medical facilities. The existing highway is between 3 to 4 lanes in both directions, with a shared center left turn lane, or “suicide lane.” The existing large corner radii and slip turn add to the increased speed and lack of pedestrian safety.
Through our professional PlaceMaking experience, we have found that economic revitalization is advanced when we transform a corridor into a destination and provide a true sense of place. It is our opinion that by analyzing and building from the most historical and best qualities of a place, we create authenticity. Using the predominant building materials, such as brick and limestone, in a manner with which they might have been constructed during the 19th Century, we can help extend the best of the Historic Covington architectural character.

Our Goals

The following goals have been defined by the HWY 278 Improvement Association
  • Increase property values through long-term beautification projects.
  • Develop a corridor branding theme that includes upgraded street and way finding signage, sidewalks, and lighting.
  • Leverage this report to obtain future funding for the enhancement of the entire community.
  • Increase the connectivity and coordination between neighboring activity centers at Exit 90 at Turner Lake Road, HWY 81 and Emory Street, Alcovy as well as Elm Street, and HWY 142 and HWY 278.
  • Maintain an appropriate mix and balance of residential, commercial and recreational uses, ensuring the long-term economic vitality and quality of life within the CID.
  • Create a well-planned, aesthetic environment that enhancesthe quality of life and promotes safe vehicular and pedestrian movement and circulation.
  • Promote the community’s vision, physical improvements and economic opportunities, including ideas for an effectively targeted promotional and/or marketing campaign.

Meet The Team

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Samuel Burney Hay III

Samuel Burney Hay III

Sam@fowlerprop.com

Jimmy Tanner

Jimmy Tanner

Jimmytanner@newtonfederal.com

Billy Fortson

Billy Fortson

bfortson@ginnchevy.com

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Anne Laster

lasteranne@gmail.com

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Ken Gaylord

Kgaylord@bbandt.com

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Anne Jacoby

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Jared Rutberg

jaredrutberg@gmail.com

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Kathy Morgan

cid@selectnewton.com

Frequently Asked Questions

CIDs are local government entities authorized by the local and state governments. A CID is a mechanism for funding certain governmental services including street and road construction and maintenance, parks and recreation, stormwater and sewage systems, water systems, public transportation systems, and other services and facilities. The administrative body of the CID is a Board of Directors which consists of both elected board members and appointed board members. The Board may levy taxes, fees, and assessments within the CID, not to exceed 2.5 percent of the assessed value of the real property. These taxes are then used to provide services and fund improvements for the CID.
The Hwy 278 CID currently includes the property owners on the north and south sides of Hwy 278 from Exit 90 on the west side of Covington to the other east side of the GA-142 intersection. However, any property owner contiguous to the current CID boundaries can request to become a part of the CID.
The Hwy 278 CID exists to improve the Hwy 278 corridor. These improvements include raising property values, beautification, improve safety including bicyclists and pedestrians, etc… You can find more information here Projects.
The CID votes and selects an ad valorem millage rate assessed on the properties on the corridor, excluding residential. See Millage Notice. The CID also is eligible for state and federal grants and asks for appropriations from the city and county.
Since Hwy 278 is a state highway, there are many steps to accomplish before the visible projects can take place. However, the CID has completed the first step of creating a Master Plan and is now waiting for the completion of the traffic analysis before moving forward.
The Hwy 278 CID Board has monthly meetings that are open to the public for feedback and input. You can like and follow the Hwy 278 Facebook Page for the time and date of these meetings and any other potential events the CID may have.

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