The Atlanta Regional Commission announced that Locust Grove has been awarded a $92,000 Livable Centers Initiative grant. The funds will help the city “manage commercial and residential development pressure and guide growth for the town center and areas adjacent to the Tanger Outlet Mall and Interstate 75 interchange,” according to an ARC statement.

The study will focus on development plans for vacant tracts of land, as well as infill development in the town center, while also preserving and enhancing the historic character of Locust Grove and improving connectivity throughout the study area.

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Peggy Harris (foreground) stocks the shelves at Sandy's IGA, which is the only grocery store in town, Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in Sparta. Hancock County has one of the highest rates of childhood food insecurity in the country. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC