The Greek philosopher Heraclitus is credited for saying, “the only thing that is constant is change,” meaning that our lives and the world around us are always shifting and transforming. Nothing really stays the same.
Change doesn’t have to be feared. Change can be positive.
For example, there are changes coming to our community with new mom-and-pop businesses opening up and a recent expansion to an existing industry. In our Salute to Business and Industry special section you will find stories of your entrepreneurial neighbors taking a leap of faith to offer residents and visitors new wares, experiences and services.
Who can argue with having an old fashioned general store or quaint ice cream shop on Cleveland’s downtown square?
And what about keeping our young people here in White County? For them to stay, they need viable employment. A merger and a plant expansion like that of Atlanta Hardwoods and Lunawood LLC can help provide residents needed jobs.
Attainable housing is another issue, one that our local government leaders must continue to address. The new starter homes built near the square in Cleveland priced under $290,000 are just a start.
However, we hear from many residents who say they are worried that too much growth will come too speedily to our quiet, rural slice of heaven here in the mountains. They fear roads will become congested, crime will rise and our schools and water and sewer infrastructure won’t be able to keep pace with a sharp spike in population.
Which is why we urge residents to make their concerns known now, before changes they don’t want come to the hometowns they love.
White County and the cities of Cleveland and Helen are currently updating a joint Comprehensive Plan. Numerous open houses have already been held in the cities and county, with the next one set for Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Yonah Preserve Recreation Center, 675 Mt Yonah Drive in Cleveland. Residents can attend from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and from 4-7 p.m.
The Georgia Mountains Regional Commission is assisting our local governments to update this blueprint for the future. The comp plan provides guidelines for development and capital projects, as well as addresses population growth, economic development, housing, natural and cultural resources, community facilities and services, transportation and land use.
Public input plays a vital role in this comprehensive planning for the future. If you can’t come to the open house in person, consider making your thoughts known via an online survey that will remain open until December. Surveys can be found at surveymonkey.com/r/WhiteCounty2025.
Residents who have questions about the comp plan itself or the process to update the document can contact Planning Director Adam Hazell at 738-538-2617 or ahazell@gmrc.ga.gov.