Woodstock Takes the Lead in Sustainability

The City of Woodstock, the largest city in Cherokee County, is proud to announce it has become the first municipality in the State of Georgia to install an Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVSE). Inspired by a local business that installed an EVSE for the benefit of their employees, Woodstock studied the forthcoming demand for charging stations based on the proliferation of electric vehicles that would be hitting the market in the next 12 months.

As part of the ongoing revitalization and renovation of downtown Woodstock, the city decided to install the charging station as a benefit to the residents and visitors. Only one charging station is being installed at this time, but the design and construction allow for the program to be expanded in the future, as demand dictates.

“We are proud to be the first Municipality in the State to have this service made available to its residents.” said Donnie Henriques, Mayor, “Woodstock, sometimes known as Greenstock, will continue to lead the pack in innovative ways to go-green.”

Metro Plug-In, Inc., headquartered in Woodstock, was in charge of the installation of the Electric Vehicle Charging Station, manufactured by Clipper Creek in Auburn, CA. Greg Crittenden, the owner of Metro Plug-In, believes “Electric Vehicles will play a major role in America’s future – providing cleaner air, lowering the cost of transportation, and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.”

The City of Woodstock started the ‘Partnership for a Sustainable Woodstock’ in 2009 through the Planning, Design and Sustainability division of the Community Development Department.

Funded in part through a grant received in 2010 from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA), the program has completed the installation of solar panels and energy-efficient systems at the newly opened Chambers at City Center, provided discounts to local builders on permit fees who build energy efficient houses and will convert lighting in the Park and Amphitheatre at City Center to energy efficient LED lighting.

The charging station is provided at no charge to the public and is located adjacent to the historic Woodstock train depot, future home to Freight Kitchen and Tap at 251 East Main Street.

For More Information:
Brian Stockton, City Planner
City of Woodstock
bstockton@woodstockga.gov