Downtown Development Authority Meeting January 24, 2019

MEMBERS: Mr. Mark McGiboney, Chair; Ms. Loren Roberts, Vice-Chair; Mr. Jonathan Eady, Mr. Mike Ready, Ms. Danielle Miller, Mr. Brian Barnard, and Ms. Martha Molyneux.

STAFF: Matthew Pepper, city manager and DDA secretary/treasurer.

GUESTS: There were no guests in attendance.

OPENING: At 7:02 PM, Mr. McGiboney called the meeting to order.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Upon motion of Mr. Ready, seconded by Mr. Eady, the minutes for the meeting on November 29, 2018 were approved. The vote was 7 – 0.

DISCUSSION ON DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT ALONG HWY 81: The DDA members reviewed the demographic and job data provided by the Georgia Municipal Association. In addition, the DDA members discussed possible development options for the property. The options included a coffee shop, an area for greenspace, a gallery for studio art, and a covered farmer’s market. The DDA members also discussed ideas on how to combine the city’s and college’s existing post offices into one office. The new post office would serve both residents and students. Before the next meeting, the DDA members will complete the following assignments:

  • Mr. McGiboney will contact Rob Fowler to find out when the post office’s lease with the United States Postal Service will terminate.
  • Mr. McGiboney will contact Mayor Roseberry to inform him of the DDA’s ideas for the property abutting Hwy 81 as well as request an opportunity to share those ideas with Council at the February Work Session meeting on Monday, February 18th.

E. CLARK STREET DEVELOPMENT: Mr. Ready updated the DDA members on Council’s recent decision to move forward with the construction of E. Clark Street. In addition to constructing the street itself, the project includes installing other infrastructure including water, electric, sidewalks, and drainage. normal'> 

OTHER BUSINESS: The DDA’s next meeting will be Thursday, February 28th, 2019.

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. McGiboney adjourned the meeting at 8:07 PM.

Approved by:

Matthew Pepper, Secretary/Treasurer