A Community Plan Years in the Making
December 2006 – City of Milton Incorporated
Prior to the City of Milton’s incorporation in December 2006, Deerfield was an existing commercial overlay district within Fulton County with an extra layer of regulations on top of the base zoning code.
The City of Milton’s First City Council
January 2007 – Deerfield Zoning Overlay
City officials charged Milton’s Design Review Board with incorporating the Deerfield-area zoning overlay into City Code.
Map of the Deerfield District
December 2010 – Highway 9 Design Guidelines
City Council approved Highway 9 Design Guidelines to help give the district a more recognizable, cohesive appearance ahead of future redevelopment.
Highway 9 Design Guidelines Cover Page
April 2012 – Highway 9/GA 400 Area Master Plan LCI Study
The City of Milton partnered with the City of Alpharetta to conduct the Highway 9/GA 400 Area Master Plan Livable Centers Initiative Study (LCI).
Highway 9/GA 400 Area Master Plan LCI Study Cover Page
April 2013 – Deerfield Highway 9 Form-based Code
The Deerfield/Highway 9-area form-based code was amended to reflect what was in the LCI study.
Deerfield Hwy 9 Form-based Code Cover Page
2015 – Highway 9 North Vision Plan
Following a community visioning process that included interactive workshops and conversations with property owners, the SR 9 North Vision Plan was published. This guiding document featured a consensus viewpoint on what future land-use regulations should be for this area.
SR 9 North Vision Plan Cover Page
October 2020 – Public Safety Complex Grand Opening
The City opened the newly constructed Milton Public Safety Complex off Highway 9. This serves as home to the Milton Police Department, Milton Municipal Court, and Milton Fire-Rescue Department’s Station 44 (with Police and Court having previously used leased commercial space).
City of Milton Fire Engine “Push-In” Celebration
March 2021 – Big Creek Greenway Trail Connection
City officials approved concept plans for a Big Creek Greenway Trail Connection, aiming to give more Milton residents the opportunity to safely walk and bike from more parts of Milton to the Big Creek Greenway.
Big Creek Greenway Trail Connection Project Map
April 2021 – RKG Deerfield Parkway Corridor Study
The City of Milton worked with RKG Associates to release the Deerfield Parkway Corridor Study, an economic development and marketing study for this area.
Stone entry signage at Deerfield surrounding by greenspace and floral landscaping.
September 2021 – GDOT’s McGinnis Ferry Road/GA 400 Interchange
GDOT’s McGinnis Ferry Road/GA 400 Interchange project received notice to proceed with construction.
Construction crews working on the McGinnis Ferry Road/GA400 Interchange.
May 2023 – Urban Growth Boundary Adopted
The City adopted an Urban Growth Boundary, which clearly defined commercial areas such as Deerfield (and, in so doing, further protected Milton’s more rural areas from development).
City of Milton Urban Growth Boundary Map
February 2024 – Windward/Highway 9 Area Strategic Master Plan
The cities of Milton and Alpharetta, in partnership with True North 400, created a strategic master plan for the Windward Parkway and Highway 9 corridors. This plan identifies potential opportunities for investment in mobility, transportation, green space and placemaking to improve the area's quality of life and economic competitiveness.
Windward/Highway 9 Area Strategic Master Plan Rendering
April 2024 – Deerfield Active Park
The City of Milton purchased about 24 acres in Deerfield with the intent of creating a new active park.
Deerfield Active Park Planning Meeting
June 2024 – Morris Road Widening
The City of Milton issued a notice to proceed with construction on the Morris Road widening-plus project. This will connect to McGinnis Ferry Road and, by doing so, the new GA 400 interchange.
Morris Road Construction
August 2024 – Destination Deerfield Public Kickoff
The City of Milton held a Public Kickoff for the Destination Deerfield project at Milton Municipal Court.
City of Milton Architect Robert “Bob” Buscemi presents at the Destination Deerfield Public Kickoff
September 2024 – First Open House
The City of Milton hosted a Destination Deerfield Open House where attendees shared their thoughts on topics related to making Deerfield a more dynamic, connected, and vibrant place.
City of Milton citizens review plans and provide feedback during a Destination Deerfield public engagement event.
October 2024 – Public Survey
The City of Milton invited citizens to participate in an online public survey and share their opinions on Deerfield.
City of Milton citizens used color coded stickers to provide feedback during a Destination Deerfield public engagement event.
December 2024 – Second Open House
The City of Milton hosted a second Destination Deerfield Open House at which attendees heard the latest on the project and offered opinions on what's next and to see elements of the proposed Urban Design Manual aimed at guiding developers and their projects.
A City of Milton citizen discusses plans and provides feedback during a Destination Deerfield public engagement event.
2024 - Stakeholder Engagement
The City conducted targeted outreach including conversations with stakeholders ranging from HOA leaders and bicyclists to business owners who are interested and invested in the potential of Destination Deerfield.
City of Milton citizens review plans and provide feedback during a Destination Deerfield public engagement event.
May 2025 – Destination Deerfield Urban Design Manual
After extensive public engagement to guide a community-led vision for the ideal look, feel, and function of Deerfield going forward, City Council adopted the Destination Deerfield Urban Design Manual and related City Code changes.
Destination Deerfield Urban Design Manual Cover Page
September 2025 – City Approves SR 9 Widening Management
The City of Milton approved agreements to manage the Highway 9 widening design.
City of Milton Council Meeting where the SR9 Widening Memorandum of Understanding was approved.
September 2025 - Big Creek Greenway Trail Connection
The City of Milton began advertisement of the Big Creek Greenway trail connection for construction.
Big Creek Greenway Trail Connection Project Map