Preservation, Protection, Maintenance & Enhancement of the Corridor Resources

GOAL 1 - Protect, preserve, maintain and enhance the natural, scenic, historical, cultural and educational resources along the Corridor.

Objective 1.1-Preserve and maintain a canopied roadway of majestic trees and native plant species along the Corridor and loop.
Strategies:

• 1.1.1 Develop an ongoing Action Plan to address all preservation/promotion issues
• 1.1.2 Coordinate with County Forester to develop an inventory of trees and plants
• 1.1.3 Obtain recommendations and plans from local arborist and native plant specialists
• 1.1.4 Coordinate efforts with jurisdictional authorities
• 1.1.5 Identify and seek grants for tree replacement and maintenance

Objective1.2 - Protect ancient trees, in Corridor, from damage by utilities or future development.
Strategies:

• 1.2.1 Urge municipality to craft a tree protection ordinance
• 1.2.2 Work to gain historic tree designation for mature oaks and magnolias
• 1.2.3 Negotiate tree trimming guidelines with electric utility
• 1.2.4 Encourage ‘green development ’to protect the natural resources
• 1.2.5 Develop & distribute visitor education materials with the assistance of forestry fire prevention specialists

GOAL 2 - Provide aesthetically pleasing enhancements along the Corridor, including the right-of-way and adjacent public and private lands, to promote alternative modes of transportation and maintain optimum safety conditions for all users.

Objective 2.1 - Ensure safe, secure and enjoyable vehicular and non-vehicular traffic along Corridor.
Strategies:

• 2.1.1 Coordinate with Sheriff’s Department and local security to enforce speed limits
• 2.1.2 Seek funds for enforcement and engineering advice on traffic calming methods
• 2.1.3 Develop safe pedestrian and non-motorized facilities (bike lanes, marked trails, sidewalks)

Objective 2.2 - Promote alternative modes of transportation.
Strategies:

• 2.2.1 Encourage use of parking slots on S.R. 16
• 2.2.2 Promote biking and walking within the Corridor and loop
• 2.2.3 Identify public facilities, rest area benches and water fountain
• 2.2.4 Highlight recreational and picnic facilities
• 2.2.5 Sponsor events that promote non-vehicular transportation

GOAL 3 - Solicit ongoing regional community support and participation that will guarantee continued, enthusiastic involvement with the J.C. Penney Scenic Highway, both during and after the designation phase.

Objective 3.1 - Advise the public of meetings and events in the Corridor.
Strategies:

• 3.1.1 Develop and maintain a website
• 3.1.2 Post notices of upcoming meetings and events
• 3.1.3 Communicate directly with local businesses and residents
• 3.1.4 Create and submit notices to local media sources

Objective 3.2 - Gain community support from surrounding businesses, organizations and residents.
Strategies:

• 3.2.1 Provide speakers for business and organization meetings
• 3.2.2 Develop incentives and rewards recognition program
• 3.2.3 Provide opportunities for businesses and residents to participate in planning
• 3.2.4 Develop projects involving local businesses and organizations

GOAL 4 - Develop a Corridor Management Plan for future preservation and enhancement of the J.C. Penney Scenic Highway.

Objective 4.1 - Create a Corridor Management Entity (CME) Organization to oversee the Corridor
Strategies:

• 4.1.1 Invite selected individuals and organizational representatives to form the CME (CASH-16)
• 4.1.2 Complete necessary paperwork to become a non-profit entity
• 4.1.3 Hold regular, publicized meetings to address goals of the Corridor
• 4.1.4 Develop an electronic and print form newsletter

Objective 4.2 - Encourage sustainable economic activities that compliment the Corridor goals.
Strategies:

• 4.2.1 Coordinate with municipality to encourage sustainable development
• 4.2.2 Add Scenic Highway protections to the Comprehensive Plan Update

Objective 4.3 - Require new development and business within the Corridor in incorporate Scenic Highway Vision into their development plans, to ensure their frontage blends with natural surroundings.
Strategies:

• 4.3.1 Coordinate with jurisdictional entities to adopt design standards
• 4.3.2 Develop an incentive program
• 4.3.3 Coordinate with jurisdictional entities to promote appropriate signage within State guides

GOAL 5 - Promote the Scenic Highway Corridor of Penney Farms as a ‘garden spot’ in Clay County, while educating visitors as to its natural and historic resources.

Objective 5.1 - Instigate a plan to contact and motivate key leaders and organizations in Clay County to join with town citizens to promote the concept of Penney Farms as the oasis “garden spot” for visitors to this community.
Strategies:

• 5.1.1 Develop and maintain an up-to-date website with historical and cultural information
• 5.1.2 Highlight points of interest and special events on a regular basis
• 5.1.3 Provide ongoing updates and make periodic contacts with local civic organizations, tourist entities, other municipalities and office of the County Manger and County Commission.
• 5.1.4 Prepare and make available brochures, signs and other tourist related materials to strategic locations throughout the County
• 5.1.5 Encourage residents and businesses to be a part of this effort by personal contact and making residential properties and business sites attractive
• 5.1.6 Involve more local residents in the CASH agenda so that they are committed to the concepts of preserving our community and sharing it with others.

GOAL 6 - Balance the promotion of the Scenic Highway Corridor, in such a way as to encourage visitors’ enjoyment while ensuring privacy for residents of the Town.

Objective 6.1 - Improve marketing infrastructure within the Corridor to ensure access and connectivity for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Strategies:

• 6.1.1 Seek funds to provide off street parking for residents
• 6.1.2 Provide benches along the Corridor and loop to encourage pedestrians
• 6.1.3 Establish a visitor center area and local arts outlet

Objective 6.2 - Provide tourist information to educate and enhance Corridor visit.
Strategies:

• 6.2.1 Develop informational brochures highlighting resources in the Corridor
• 6.2.2 Provide historical and cultural markers and information to educate visitors
• 6.2.3 Utilize special signage to indicate locations, open for public access, along Corridor
• 6.2.4 Offer trained volunteers at cemeteries, churches, archives and historical museum

Objective 6.3 - Promote the J.C. Penney Scenic and Historic Highway in the wider community.
Strategies:

• 6.3.1 Distribute visitor information to interested parties in the wider community
• 6.3.2 Promote local events and activities that are open to the public
• 6.3.3 Highlight local businesses along the corridor and encourage patronization
• 6.3.4 Utilizing the CASH-16, develop scheduled fund-raising events (e.g. festival, art show)
• 6.3.5 Promote and market countywide events, festivals and activities (e.g. Wizard of Oz annual event, Keystone Arbor Day, Starke strawberry festival, Clay Co. historical bus trips)