Area Plans|Airport Area Master Plan

Airport Area Master Plan

Background

Several decades ago, Cherokee County leaders recognized that the Cherokee County Regional Airport could be an important economic resource as the focus of a major employment center along Interstate 575.  In the 1980's, the Development Authority of Cherokee County (DACC) began working to recruit industries to Cherokee County by creating a series of sucessful industrial parks along Airport Drive and Interstate 575.  The Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority extended sewer into this area to serve the needs of existing and future businesses.  Private developers have taken advantage of these infrastructure investments by developing additional industrial parks, build-to-suit projects, and constructing industrial buildings to lease within the Airport Area.  This area has a great combination of favorable access to I-575 at the Airport Drive interchange, proximity to the Airport, good visibility from the interstate, and the necesary infrastructure for business development.

Anticipating more growth, leaders from Cherokee County developed an ambitious plan to significantly expand the capabilities of the Airport, including extending the runway to 5,000 ft, a precision approach, more hangar space and a new terminal building.   In 2007, constructuion began on the Cherokee County Regional Airport Expansion Project.  This multi-year project will further enhance the ability of Cherokee County to attract and retain buisinesses in the Airport Area. In order to capitalize on this newly expanded airport, Cherokee County needs a clear vision for the area surrounding airport to further develop this economic center.

Purpose

Cherokee County Planning, the Development Authority of Cheorkee County (DACC) and the Cherokee County Airport Authority (CCAA) have developed the Airport Area Master Plan to address the following issues in the Airport Area:

• Lack of Master Plan, especially in terms of compatible land uses
• Inconsistent aesthetic appearance of development
• Missing services and amenities for employers and employees
• Need for additional airport enhancements

The purpose and intent of this document is to identify the Airport Area as a defined district in order to maximize the economic impact by facilitating business development / employment, coordinating investment in infrastructure, assuring land use compatible with the expanded airport, and creating a consistent look and feel for this new gateway into Cherokee County. 

Plan Document

 Airport Area Master Plan

Plan Status

The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on April 20, 2010 and adopted the Airport Area Master Plan.  The implementation phase of the project is underway to develop design guidelines for the Airport Area.  The expected completion for this phase is Fall 2011.   

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 Questions? Contact the Principal Planner by email or by phone at (678)493-6101.