People packed Milton Municipal Court on Sunday afternoon for the Public Kickoff of the Deerfield Implementation Plan – an initiative aimed at charting a community-driven vision for this important section of eastern Milton.

This project will unfold in phases, with the community involved throughout. And it could still be taking shape when developers pitch proposals for several large properties in the impacted area, which includes the Milton segments of Highway 9, Windward Parkway, Deerfield Parkway, Morris Road, Webb Road, and other places in that vicinity.

To watch the presentation from the August 26 meeting, CLICK HERE.

Special Projects Director Bob Buscemi explained Sunday that the developments ideally will mesh together holistically – rather than as unconnected one-offs – so they have the look, feel, and long-term viability that the community wants. The Deerfield Implementation Plan will feature guidelines for architectural styles, landscaping, and other features that can contribute to an overall character that is uniquely Milton and also makes this area distinct.

Informing and engaging the community is vital to this entire process, which is in line with the City of Milton’s broader commitment to listening to and incorporating citizens’ views. Already, people can learn more and offer opinions on a dedicated webpage (www.miltonga.gov/Deerfield). They can sign-up for text alerts on Deerfield-related news at www.miltonga.gov/Notifications. Beyond that, the City will tap into its expansive communications tools including social media, community emails (www.miltonga.gov/emails), an upcoming survey, and more to solicit feedback, share information, eventually present renderings of proposals.

Sunday’s Public Kickoff event was as much informational as it was interactive. People heard from Buscemi as well as Engineering Project Manager Rob Dell-Ross (who gave the latest on Highway 9), Land Development Manager Tracie Wildes, Communications Director Greg Botelho, and Allison Bickers from the City’s partners at Cooper Carry. City Councilmembers Phil Cranmer and Jan Jacobus were in attendance as well.

People also were able to share their thoughts and ask questions. Attendees wrote on sticky notes  what they like about Deerfield today and what they’d love to see or do there in the future. They also interacted at length with project team members for well over an hour after the initial presentation’s end.

More such opportunities are coming. These include public feedback sessions with specific themes (like architectural styles, transportation, landscaping, etc.), as well as City Council and committee meetings. The project team also proactively will engage with stakeholder groups – like HOA leaders, bicyclists and runners, and developers – to gather valuable perspectives.