Off-Site Issues

1. Norfolk Southern Railroad

  • Install a fence to control access to Rose Hill from the tracks. There is historical precedent, although more research is required to determine if, when and what type of fence was initially installed by the railroad, and when the fence went missing.

  • Recognize that the railroad has been a part of Rose Hill for approximately 125 years. An interpretive opportunity should be explored showing the controversy, the loss of access to the river (i.e., "Lover's Leap"), added noise and potential damage from vibration.

  • Visual screening of the railroad from strategic views, i.e., the amphitheater and bandstand, etc.


2. Interstates I-75 and I-16

  • Visual- the bridge over the Ocmulgee River and the potential for visual screening especially at the terminus of Central Avenue. Also plan for the potential of a "fly-over" or other improvements by the Georgia Department of Transportation to the I-75/I-16 interchange, including concessions for screening, buffering, and/or architectural enhancements for destruction of viewsheds.

  • Noise- the noise from I-16 across the Ocmulgee River is probably the most difficult modern intrusion. The noise is loud, continuous and difficult or impossible to abate. Discuss with the Georgia DOT as improvements to I-16 are planned, i.e., noise barriers. However, due to the 100' elevation change between the interstate and the higher points of Rose Hill, this may be an issue that cannot be effectively abated.


3. Ocmulgee Heritage Trail

  • Controlling access- Should the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail be routed alongside the existing railroad tracks through Rose Hill, we recommend that access to the trail be gated and permitted only during operational hours of the Cemetery. This should be clearly signed, both at the access gates and along other portions of the trail. Additionally, the signs at the access gates should also indicate that video surveillance is used and trespassers will be subject to criminal and civil prosecution.

  • Lighting- has been installed along other portions of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail, but should not be permitted along portions allowed to pass through Rose Hill.

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