Vision Cashiers President Paul Robshaw addressed the Jackson County Board of Commissioners at their Jan. 6 meeting, providing updates on recent initiatives while outlining long-term goals. Vision Cashiers is a volunteer-led nonprofit organization that aims to promote sustainable growth and improve the quality of life for Cashiers residents and visitors.
The nonprofit, established in 2016, uses fundraising to develop projects throughout Cashiers. Robshaw highlighted the launch of the new dog park, free Wi-Fi, education conventions for students and emergency-preparedness initiatives.
“It’s been a great success,” said Robshaw. “We convinced the rescue squad to run CPR classes, and they’ve done 15 of them, and I think taught about 200 residents locally.”
Robshaw discussed the community’s high turnover of healthcare professionals in the community, citing the area’s high cost of living. Vision Cashiers is working to establish a clinic with two to four full-time doctors, while providing professional housing for them and other healthcare professionals, along with teachers, managers and similarly employed professionals.
“We have put under contract about 37 acres of land north of Glenville,” said Robshaw. “It will be dedicated to that level of employment, with some units for rent and some for sale. It’s going to be about 74 two and three bedroom townhouses.”
Robshaw’s main emphasis was the Cashiers Greenway Ramble, which aims to transform Cashiers into a walkable community. 2.3 miles of greenway have already been constructed, and Robshaw plans to add an additional 1.5 miles this year. The total cost is estimated at $4 million.
“So far, we’ve gotten 158 people to contribute $2.9 million in commitments,” said Robshaw. “We’re really working hard to make this happen.”
With over five miles of walkable sidewalks, boardwalks and public spaces, the Cashiers Greenway Ramble will feature free Wi-Fi, pocket parks, educational attractions, cultural landmarks, public art and a storywalk.
Robshaw thanked Jackson County Commissioner Mark Letson and former Cashiers Chamber of Commerce President Ben Harris for their roles in the decision-making process for WALK Cashiers, a collaborative effort between the county, chamber and Vision Cashiers.
“Every single decision that we make with a rule or the cost for where we’re going to spend money always has to go through the three organizations,” said Robshaw. “We have to vote unanimously on the action that we’re going to take and if any one of us is opposed to it, then it doesn’t happen.”
A completion date for the greenway has not yet been announced, as WALK Cashiers continues to seek funding.
- Mitch Stone
reporter@highlandsnews.com