Streetscape Phase VI Still Ongoing in Downtown Toccoa

The Streetscape Phase 6 Project is ongoing in Downtown Toccoa on S. Park Lane and in the Foreacre Street parking lots behind WNEG Radio and The Toccoa Record.

City Manager Billy Morse said a completion date is undetermined right now due to the discovery of old utility lines.

“What has happened is once they dug up the asphalt in the alleyway, they found a network of old utility lines that are intertwined that are very close to the surface,” said Morse. “We’re having to re-evaluate what the existing conditions are so that we then know how to move forward with replacing pavers and asphalt in that alleyway.”

According to Morse, the project involves putting in new asphalt, pavers and planters in the parking lots and alleyway.

Morse told WNEG News the purpose of the streetscape project.

“We’re just trying to beautify and improve the downtown area,” said Morse. “This is the sixth phase of streestcape, so we’ve done five other projects like this in downtown. The redevelopment of the alleyways, the sidewalks, the parking areas to make them more efficient and aesthetically pleasing.”

Toccoa Main Street is leading the project and the total cost is estimated at just under $350,000 dollars.

Toccoa City Commissioners approved the project in 2012 and received $282,000 dollars in Georgia DOT funds to help pay for it.

Morse said the City of Toccoa is also providing matching funds.

According to Morse, there are more phases to the streetscape project for the future.