McDonough officials are launching a new initiative to make the city look better and, as a result, improve its residents’ quality of life.
The McDonough Beautiful program was officially approved by the City Council in early February but its leaders and stakeholders have continued to raise awareness in recent weeks and get more of the community involved. Its focus has been narrowed to three specific areas: litter prevention, beautification, and redevelopment.
On the litter prevention front, a number of efforts are being organized that include citywide cleanup days, regulation of donation boxes, addition of recycling receptacles, and the Adopt-a-Spot program. Officials will also work to educate citizens on how they can take advantage of existing city and county services like paper and electronics shred events, paint recycling days, bulk item pickup, chipper truck service, and more.
Among the beautification projects in the works are the installation of McDonough Heart pocket parks and Let’s Meet conversational areas. The city will also host the Festival of Flowers and continue to celebrate the arts through murals and other artistic pieces around the city.
Some specific projects have already been completed and are adding to the overall appeal of the downtown area, including the recently renovated Welcome Center and the addition of map kiosks and bicycle racks near the Square.
In the area of redevelopment, local residents and property owners who are in need of assistance with bringing their homes or businesses up to code will be provided with resources to help them do that.
The City Council recently approved the updating of two city ordinances that will further support the McDonough Beautiful program. The revised version of Ordinance 19-02-18(D) will encourage consistent maintenance of properties relative to eliminating excess vegetation, while modifications to Ordinance 19-03-18(A) will regulate community sales.
“Although McDonough Beautiful began as a city initiative, it will take the engagement of all members of our community to be truly successful,” according to one city official. Questions about code compliance should be directed to the city’s Community Development Department. Anyone wishing to sign up as a member of McDonough Beautiful is encouraged to contact the city at mcdbeautiful@mcdonoughga.org or 770-957-3915 ext. 6088.
