Mayor Bill Walker, who decided not to seek re-election earlier this year, said he was glad the city's sidewalks project was completed under his watch.
Sidewalks were installed on Pickens Street, between Habersham Way and Nelson Oaks and Blue Ridge Street. The city received a $400,000 Transportation Enhancement Grant from the Georgia Department of Transportation to fund the project.
Decorative lighting has also been installed along Pickens and Blue Ridge Streets. The sidewalks now give Nelson residents the ability to walk freely and safely on their streets.
Walker also said he was glad to see some of city's streets paved and striped, and another pavilion and basketball court installed during his tenure.
Also, he said, he was proud of the fact that his administration never raised taxes.
"In the time allotted, we did a lot of things," Walker added.
Walker, who was first elected in 2005, works at Lockheed and is a former member of the city's planning and zoning commission.
For outgoing City Councilman James Queen, the city's sidewalks projects were also a high priority for him.
Queen, who was defeated in his quest to succeed Mayor Walker, also said he was glad to see the city purchase new police cars, get its volunteer fire department under the control of Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services and see the city complete its pedestrian railroad crossing.
Queen was first elected to the Council in 2001. He's retired from the commercial construction industry and attends Bethesda Baptist Church in Nelson.
Queen said he would have liked to see more sidewalks and decorative lighting installed throughout the city so more residents can get out and walk.
"They really use the sidewalks," he said of how popular the sidewalks are with residents.
Now that they are out of office, both men said they were planning to keep a watchful eye on the border town.
Queen said he's planning to attend a few council meetings and Walker, who selling his home in Cherokee and hopes to soon move to his newly built home in Pickens County, said he may also pop in and see how the new council is coming along.
Walker said he hopes incoming Mayor David Leister and new Councilman Larry Sellers Jr. will enjoy their new roles and to take each challenge one day at a time.
"Take baby steps at first and have fun with it," Walker said, adding that at the end of each month, he felt like he accomplished something as Mayor.
Queen had advice that Nelson residents would appreciate him passing on.
"Spend the taxpayer's money wisely," he said. "Stretch it as far as it'll go."
Post a Comment