2008 Places in Peril
Old Clinton Historic District

 Historic community meets strip development

The Story:  Established in 1807, the community of Clinton served as an economic and cultural center for the Georgia frontier. Buildings date from 1808-1835 and together provide a rare example of a largely intact Georgia rural frontier village that combines commercial and residential structures.

The Threat:  The corridor of the south side of US 129 has been lined with strip commercial development within the last 10 years. Residents formed the Old Clinton Historical Society 25 years ago to fight off development and road widening projects. Recently the city approved a bypass that will come within several hundred yards of the district.

The Solution:  Despite the encroachment of the bypass, Old Clinton still has potential to remain a livable community while attracting compatible, high-quality growth. The community contains an abundance of open space, and strong design guidelines would ensure that these areas are developed sensitively. Good design guidelines would also protect the area’s remaining resources.
 

Left: With strong guidelines, communities like Old Clinton still have potential to remain liveable communities while attracting compatible high-quality growth.