DALTON, Ga. — Local physician Conrad Easley told Whitfield County commissioners last week that the plan to build the county’s newest high school on land near historic Prater’s Mill “insidiously crept up” on the community.
Despite protests from area residents, commissioners approved the special-use permit the school board needed to proceed with the plan.
The public outcry to the County Commission was from frustrated residents, many of whom live by Lake Frances near Prater’s Mill. They have unofficially appointed Dr. Easley as their spokesman.
Although the commission approved the permit said to be a last hurdle, Dr. Easley said, “As far as I’m concerned, the game’s not over.”
Residents, worried the school will jam the tranquil area with traffic and disturb the scenic view along Georgia Highway 2, are planning to meet for discussion of appealing the decision.
The Whitfield County School Board bought the 73-acre tract in January after rejecting two other sites.
That property is adjacent to the 153-year-old Prater’s Mill, once a community hub. Now, historians and area residents are fighting to protect the heritage of the gristmill — and to preserve the serenity of the land.
“One of the things that we have to be very careful about is Mother Nature,” said Judy Alderman, president of the Prater’s Mill Foundation. “She can make a fool out of all of us ... The whole area is very delicate.”
Coahulla Creek is the stream that powers the mill. Nearby, rest the graves of American Indians and slaves. Dr. Easley said he often sees a bald eagle fly over Lake Frances.
“It certainly is a place that’s teeming with life,” Ms. Alderman said.
She said she’s trying not to resist development, and has imagined involving the students with Prater’s Mill, offering courses in historic preservation and mechanical history.
For their part, school board members said the rapidly growing area needs a school.
“We’ve got to do what’s right by the kids,” School Board member Gary Brock said.
Still, opponents claim the process has lacked transparency.
“I don’t like the site, and I don’t understand the process,” Whitfield resident Mary Thelma Norris said after the County Commission meeting.
Commissioners say they don’t have the authority to reject the site. Commissioner Randy Waskul said that the School Board has a “constitutional mandate” to choose locations for new schools. “Our role with the schools is a very delicate one,” Mr. Waskul added.
Commissioners advised objecting residents to approach the School Board directly.
“There’s more questions than answers,” Commission Chairman Brian Anderson said. “I simply have to pass the buck and say, ‘You need to call your representative from the School Board.’”
