Milton has intensified its focus on the future look, feel, and vitality of its Deerfield area – a multi-faceted effort led by City stalwart Bob Buscemi that will feature extensive analysis, opportunities for public input, and ultimately a clear, compelling vision.

Located in eastern Milton, Deerfield is made up of the Deerfield and Bethany character areas including the Highway 9 and Windward Parkway corridors. Many of the buildings there predate the City's 2006 incorporation. Yet Highway 9's ongoing widening and the growing number of proposed developments and redevelopments make now a prime time to consider, holistically, the revamping and in some cases reinventing of this area.

The Deerfield Implementation Plan will guide this process. Its goals will be to articulate a dynamic, community-driven, economically sustainable approach so this area will have vibrancy, top quality, and a distinct Miltonesque character.

"Deerfield needs to become the economic engine for Milton going forward," said Buscemi, Milton's Community Development Director as well as its longtime City Architect. "This Implementation Plan can chart a path to make that happen in a way that embraces what makes Milton special."

Several plans and studies have been conducted over the years that touch on this area such as the Milton Community Trails Prioritization Plan, Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Comprehensive Transportation Plan, and a recent study on Highway 9 and Windward Parkway done in conjunction with the City of Alpharetta and True North 400. The Deerfield Implementation Plan will incorporate relevant aspects of all these studies, as well as new feedback and analysis, into a guiding document.

It may contain suggestions for roads, landscaping, pathways, architecture, placemaking, and generally the look and feel of the built environment. To advance this goal, this plan will allow developers to understand what will work and what won't work in this part of Milton. Outside experts will express this vision through specialized graphics, 3D models, fly-through videos, and more.

"This is the right time to hone in on Deerfield and outline a path forward that works for Milton, the businesses that call it home, and our residents," said City Councilmember Jan Jacobus, whose district includes the impacted area. "It's also an exciting time for our City with our Council and so many departments working together for a common goal. That synergy, collaboration, and shared vision makes Milton different."

Added Councilmember Phil Cranmer, who also represents this district, "By being purposeful and proactive now, we can be successful in the future. And with Bob leading the way, I'm confident that future will be bright."

There will be multiple and varied opportunities for citizens to participate in this process, both in-person and online. To keep up with those, follow the City's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/thecityofmiltonga/), go to its website (www.miltonga.gov), or sign-up for City emails at www.miltonga.gov/Emails.

In order to focus fully on this important task, Buscemi will transition to a new role as Director of Special Projects. For that to happen, the City plans to bring aboard a new Community Development Director to eventually take his place. (A national search will be conducted for this individual, with the City likely to hire a recruiting firm to facilitate this process.) Buscemi will remain Community Development Director until that happens, then work closely with the new director to ensure a smooth transition.

"Few people have contributed as significantly to preserving the essence of Milton as Bob Buscemi," stated Mayor Peyton Jamison. "We are deeply grateful for his efforts, particularly his latest initiative to involve our community in creating a guide for Deerfield that genuinely reflects Milton's unique heritage and character."