Modern Helen

Georgia's Alpine city has experienced tremendous growth. The tiny city had been planned as a small business center, but the success of Helen's business model began to draw larger corporations interested in locating in the booming tourism center. Thirty years ago large chains were discouraged from locating in the town. Today it is hard to walk very far without seeing a well-known franchise, from the Wendy's downtown to the Hampton Inn on quiet River Road.

The growth has begun to impact the Chattahoochee River that winds through the center of the town. Helen is the first major population center on the struggling river and the increasing population is decreasing the quality of the water as the river heads south towards Lake Lanier. Pollution is not the only problem. Homes are constantly encroaching on the land that once formed the watershed. Chemical run-off adds to the problems.

Helen's popularity with tourists has alienated some long-time residents, who charge the city government with being too commerce-oriented and complain bitterly about noise and traffic. County and state officials also face additional challenges as Helen's growth remains unabated. While population within Helen was stable from 1970 to 1990, outside the city limits it has grown rapidly.

One great addition is Smithgall Woods. Built on land recovering from indifferent owners, Smithgall Woods encourages conservation of our natural resources while adding outdoor activity to the area. Trophy size trout now come from Duke's Creek, where the earliest gold was found in the area. City officials are working with local landowners to achieve a balance between the promotion of Helen as a tourism center and a place to live. And plans are being hammered out to preserve as much of the Chattahoochee River as possible.

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