Last year, after extensive research and public engagement, the Council approved an “Urban Design Manual” that outlined how the City wants this critical part of southeastern Milton to look, feel, and function. This was part of the broader Destination Deerfield initiative aimed at guiding this area’s transformation into an even more dynamic, connected, uniquely Milton place to live, work, and play. (You can learn more about that at www.miltonga.gov/Deerfield.)

What was presented at Monday night’s Council meeting marks next-level planning in this process. City staff will work with Canvas Planning Group to create a cohesive framework for how the specified properties will work together. Their presentation sparked significant interest from the Mayor and Council.

The presentation offered an early look at recommendations for the area, using maps, photos and examples to illustrate how buildings, public spaces, land uses and landscaping could work together. Among the concepts discussed were strategically placed greenspace, retail and office space, hotel opportunities and mixed-use development.

Staff stressed that these are concepts, not a finished plan. The work underway is focused on how individual parcels can complement one another and contribute to a cohesive South Deerfield area. Council will receive additional updates as the Master Plan continues to take shape.

A few agenda items later, the Council approved a resolution initiating the activation of a Development Authority that will focus on Deerfield’s future. Members of this board must still be appointed in a public meeting before it can take any action, serving as a valuable tool in helping shape what happens next in Deerfield as well as how any such progress will best serve and reflect the community.

Immediately following roll call, the Council approved a motion to amend the evening’s agenda, moving Agenda Item No. 26-238 ahead of the Consent Agenda.

With that change, the Council moved directly to recognizing coaches and athletes from the Cambridge Youth Track team. Practicing out of Cambridge High’s facilities, this five-year-old program offers athletes of all experience and competitive levels between the ages of 6 and 18 the opportunity to develop as athletes and people under the tutelage of an outstanding team of coaches.

A corresponding proclamation, read by the Mayor on Monday night, remarked on Cambridge Youth Track’s successful recently concluded season. It ended with the team featuring 16  USATF and AAU Junior Olympic qualifiers, three USATF Junior Olympic All-Americans, and three New Balance National qualifiers.

The Council then began its meeting by approving the meeting’s Consent Agenda, which is for routine items that are voted on collectively. Monday’s version included agreements between the City and:

Council received an update on the City’s Comprehensive Plan, with a focus on proposed revisions to the Future Land Use Map reflecting changes that have occurred since the plan’s 2020 update.

The proposed revisions include updates related to the Homestead subdivision, Milton Montessori, Stonecreek Church and property along Arnold Mill Road. The map will also incorporate the Urban Growth Boundary adopted in 2023 and reflect properties acquired by the City. These changes largely document land uses and property changes the City has already approved rather than introduce new planning concepts.

The City Council approved an alcohol beverage license to the new owner of the Chevron Food Mart on Deerfield Parkway.

Following that, Council approved the review of the 2026 Capital Improvements Element Annual Update, which outlines the City’s long-range needs for public facilities, and infrastructure, including parks, police, fire and roads, to serve future growth. The annual update includes two key components: a financial report detailing how impact fee funds were used during the last fiscal year and a five-year Community Work Program identifying upcoming projects and priorities.

Near-term priorities include Deerfield Park development, Fire Station 45, buildout of the Public Safety Building’s basement, and road projects that add capacity.

Following the required public hearing, the draft will be transmitted to the Atlanta Regional Commission and Georgia Department of Community Affairs for state review. The City expects to bring the update back to Council for adoption in October, ahead of the state’s Oct. 31 deadline.

Monday’s meeting ended with an approval of the Proposed Consent Final Order and Judgement to settle the condemnation action regarding Big Creek Greenway Connector Project. City Attorney Ken Jarrard explained the settlement amount is adequate compensation consistent with the authority provided by Council during a prior executive session.