Imagery from the presentation on the future of Watkinsville with Robert Smith's cure

Like anyone who lives inside the city limits, I am concerned about our future, and what Robert Smith's graduate thesis from Notre Dame aims to do and how they go about doing it.

 I think on its face the concept has many merits but does not address the plans already on the books for the future like the Chicken Express By Pass or the Board of Education moving to the Williams property.

I think the concerns of residents along the Third Street/Mulberry Street should be heard before any plans are agreed on at this point.

That said I was impressed by the presentation and everything offered.

It was obvious that Mr. Smith did his homework.

He fielded questions well and tried to appeal to all interests. He indicated that the Vaughan property could be included seamlessly in this vision.

The new Watkinsville property purchase besides the Courthouse would seem to be on the inside looking out on this blueprint.

Many Watkinsville council members and business owners were in the audience, as well as Oconee County Board of Commissioners representatives and members.

Congressional candidate Stephen Simpson and Gary Gerrard worked the audience as well, but there has been a sprouting of signs supporting Mike Collins and his revolutionary demand to overhaul DC along Hog Moutain Road anyhow.