Happy New Year! As we begin 2024, here are four topics to watch throughout the year.
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Four Topics to Watch 2024
Apartments Developments
The increasing number of multifamily developments has been a perennial hot topic for several years in Henry County. However, we saw a major slow-down in new construction starts last year. After nine projects broke ground between 2021–2022, only two new starts occurred in 2023. Because of this, several projects are shovel-ready when developers decide to move forward.
Also worth watching are the pending rezoning requests. In late 2023, developers submitted several requests to develop the I-75 at Jodeco Road / exit 222 vicinity. In addition, the proposed Grove development off US Highway 19 / 41 awaits a rezoning decision. It proposes to build over 7,000 housing units.
SPLOST VI Projects and Referendum
Henry County will ask voters this year to renew its SPLOST program. The SPLOST VI referendum will be on the ballot in November. But first, the county must decide which projects it should fund with the tax collections. The SPLOST VI committee will begin meetings in January to discuss potential projects.
Meanwhile, several major SPLOST V projects are beginning construction. The county held a groundbreaking in December for the new Mt. Carmel Recreation Center. The new aquatic center should start construction in January. Both will open in 2025.
Open House Seats and 2024 Elections
The Georgia General Assembly adopted new district maps in December. In doing so, they created two open state house seats within Henry County. The districts represent Hampton and McDonough, respectively. They are districts 74 and 117. Voters must elect new representatives from these areas this year. MHF News will be watching to see who decides to run for the new seats. Candidate qualifying is in March.
Also on the ballot will be a variety of county positions. They include county commission chair, sheriff and tax commissioner, among others. Commissioner districts 1 & 2, and school board districts 1, 2 and 3 are also on the ballot. Candidate qualifying for these positions is likewise in March.
Major Road Projects
Finally, Henry County’s major road projects continue to make progress. In 2023, Georgia DOT awarded contracts to build two roadway widening projects. They were Georgia 20 in McDonough and SR 42 in Stockbridge. This year, three other major projects should start construction. They include as follows:
- Rock Quarry Road widening,
- McDonough Parkway North extension, and
- Western Parallel Connector.
The McDonough Parkway north extension will connect Georgia 42 and 155. This will complete a bypass around downtown McDonough. The WPC is a new four-lane road adjacent to I-75. It will connect Hudson Bridge, Jodeco and Jonesboro Road.
Other projects, such as the state route 81 widening, Jonesboro Road widening and Mill Road widening, are concurrently buying right of way. These projects have expected construction starts in 2025.
Featured image shows new apartments under construction. Stock photo.
