SCDA Moving Forward With Landscaping Hayestone-Brady Entrance Along New GA 17

The Stephens County Development Authority is moving forward with plans for landscaping the entrance to the Hayestone-Brady Business Park that will be along the new Highway 17.

Thursday, the Development Authority looked at bids for the work that would take place where the new Highway 17 intersects with Hammerstone Road.

Stephens County Development Authority Executive Director Tim Martin said that the authority had two bids to choose from.

Martin said those bids came from Carter and Sloope and from Craig Thurmond with CRT and Associates.

According to Martin, Carter and Sloope’s total bid is $28,000 at the most, while the CRT bid is $19,750 at the most.

Martin said that officials involved with the construction of the new four-lane Highway 17 continue to tell him that the road will be ready by May 31, 2016.

He said that means the Development Authority needs to move forward with the landscaping work in a timely manner.

“I am not a horticulturalist or a gardener, but folks tell me there are certain times of the year you should be out planting and that would be in the Spring and if we want to be ready with something out there by May 31, we need a decision and some action soon,” said Martin.

The Development Authority board voted unanimously to go with the lower bid from CRT.

Development Authority Board Member and Toccoa Mayor Terry Carter said he is pleased with CRT’s bid.

“I like the fact that we are saving $8,000 and using someone local,” said Carter.

Carter noted that Thurmond also helped the city of Toccoa with landscaping and green space work downtown.

Martin said he appreciates the city of Toccoa’s efforts in helping the Development Authority meet with Thurmond and move the landscaping work forward.