2022-07-19 · City Council · Transcript · Downtown Development Authority

--- title: Downtown Development Authority date: 2022-07-19 source: 2022-07-19_Downtown_Development_Authority.wav --- [0:00:00, 0:00:00]: No. [0:00:03, 0:00:12]: Hello, welcome. This is the uh July Downtown Development Authority meeting for the city of Stockbridge and we are ready to get started. So let's Bob if you will go ahead and call roll. [0:00:13, 0:00:15]: Okay, uh Councilman Alexander. [0:00:15, 0:00:16]: Present. [0:00:17, 0:00:18]: Uh Roger Custon. [0:00:19, 0:00:19]: Present. [0:00:20, 0:00:21]: Uh Fred Lamerit. [0:00:22, 0:00:23]: The merit's present. [0:00:23, 0:00:24]: Okay. [0:00:24, 0:00:26]: Uh Barber Richardson. [0:00:28, 0:00:31]: I think you said it's gonna be joining us. Maxwell Sears? [0:00:33, 0:00:35]: Uh and Bob Swigert, president. [0:00:36, 0:00:55]: All right, with four council members or uh four board members present, we uh do have a quorum, so we'll proceed with the meeting at 6.04 p.m. I'll also note that Maxwell Sears uh did send his regrets he as a family matter to attend to this evening. Um but I do expect uh Barber Richardson to join shortly. [0:00:55, 0:01:15]: All right, uh so first item on uh the agenda is to um approve today's meeting agenda. Uh would like to make a motion to move the chairman's comments uh between new and old business. We got a lot to cover today, and uh and and we do expect um uh city manager. [0:01:15, 0:01:29]: Gardner to join us a little bit later on. He's attending a county meeting right now. And I'd like to uh just uh move that part to later. So just uh one edit, I'd I'd like to make a motion to move the chairman's comments between new and old business. [0:01:30, 0:01:30]: So move. [0:01:31, 0:01:36]: Thank you, Bob. And I think friend, that would have been a second. Thank you. [0:01:37, 0:01:40]: All right, any other discussion or any other edits to the agenda? [0:01:41, 0:01:45]: All right, then by show of hands, we'll approve today's agenda with the edit. [0:01:47, 0:02:07]: Councilman? All right, very good. That's unanimous. Thank you, everyone. And next item is to approve the uh June 21st uh meeting minutes. Um uh see uh um uh uh Vanessa uh provided those uh to us a few days ago and we shared it with the uh the board members. [0:02:07, 0:02:15]: So I'll go ahead and make a motion to approve the June meeting minutes as shared with the board. [0:02:15, 0:02:16]: A second. [0:02:17, 0:02:17]: Thank you. [0:02:21, 0:02:24]: And uh any other discussion on the uh meeting minutes? [0:02:25, 0:02:45]: Or edits. All right. Thank you. All those in favor of approving the uh June meeting minutes, please raise your hand. Thank you, Councilman. All right, that's also unanimous. So we'll move ahead with the edited agenda. Actually, we'll start with the treasurer's update. And Barber is not here at the moment. So I will let me um [0:02:45, 0:02:49]: We just take a quick moment if we would um [0:02:51, 0:02:52]: To um [0:02:54, 0:03:03]: See if she's uh uh you know got held up or needs a little bit of time, but we'll move on to the next item of the agenda. Bob, that would be the uh secretary's updates. [0:03:04, 0:03:06]: Uh don't have any updates at this time. [0:03:07, 0:03:27]: All right. And I know that Lisa Fareed was going to be joining. Kira was unable to attend tonight, but Lisa was going to uh join in her absence. So we will hold on that as well. So that brings us actually to the facade grant update. We may circle back to those two items. [0:03:26, 0:03:46]: If with either Lisa or Barber joins. But with the facade grant update, Barber and I met with Mr. Fletcher. We had, you know, as most of you know, we've had an open grant application since 2019. [0:03:46, 0:04:06]: And we'd been waiting for the receipts from Mr. Fletcher showing completion of the facade grant work. Barber Richardson and I met with Mr. Fletcher June 29th. He did provide paid receipts for the completed work on the facade. We both reviewed and verified. [0:04:06, 0:04:26]: verified that the work was in scope as indicated on the grant application and completed. And Mr. I do want to note that Mr. Fletcher mentioned he had provided these receipts to uh Mr. Art Christian, a former board member, some time ago. I'm not aware that that was ever brought forth to the DDA. [0:04:26, 0:04:46]: The receipt of repairs was for$9,375, and that's the exact amount that was submitted in his application with the bids. The grant would supply 50% of that, which would be a total of$4,687. [0:04:46, 0:05:01]: And 50 cents. So with that, I would like to make a motion to approve the payment of the facade grant to uh Fletcher and Sons for 4,687.50. [0:05:05, 0:05:08]: Bob, I saw you second, but I think you're on mute. [0:05:08, 0:05:10]: Uh I'm sorry. So moved. [0:05:10, 0:05:11]: Thank you. [0:05:12, 0:05:22]: So I made the motion. Um, so I'll take that as a second. Is that right, Bob? All right, very good. Uh any other discussion on the uh payment of the facade grant to the uh Fletcher and Sons. [0:05:25, 0:05:36]: All right, very good. Then we'll go put it to vote. So all those in favor of paying out the uh facade grant as mentioned. Um Councilman Alexander, I don't see there you go. Oh, I saw you for a quick second. [0:05:38, 0:05:46]: If you're in favor of paying out, so uh just either say yes or raise your hand. Very good. So that's unanimous. Thank you, everyone. I uh really uh glad to get that one closed out. [0:05:47, 0:05:56]: Um Alan, we don't usually move to your item on the agenda this quickly. So we uh you are you are up for city staff updates. Anything to share with the group? [0:05:58, 0:06:18]: Absolutely. Uh good evening, everyone. Uh a few updates and things that we need to discuss. Um first, the um DDA Main Street and of course economic development, we need to collaborate on um hard copy marketing material so that we can pass it out to investors and potential business owners. [0:06:18, 0:06:22]: I know that we have a lot of information online. [0:06:23, 0:06:37]: um and we do have the RSDP plan but we need to collaborate on something that we can hand out something physical. We also need to discuss um ebony Thompson and the Persana Agency, Roger and I discussed this briefly. [0:06:38, 0:06:47]: figure out the budget for this if we are still going to do this and if we want her to manage our social media or or get some print or just the direction. [0:06:48, 0:06:49]: And also I I um [0:06:50, 0:06:59]: Well, Miss Holliday sent me an email about uh Main Street's website. Main Street is using Webmaster uh for their site and it's connected to the city's website. [0:06:59, 0:07:19]: And I think that cost is less than a hundred dollars per month. And that is stockbridgemainstreet.com. It's uh it's a very, very nice web seat website. And we could we could use that model just to promote what's going on downtown and list uh properties downtown as well. So those are just some few a few things. [0:07:19, 0:07:20]: That's the right thing. [0:07:20, 0:07:28]: Need to discuss, we don't need to discuss them, of course, this this meeting, but possibly next meeting. Also, when it comes to TSW. [0:07:28, 0:07:30]: I've been speaking with uh [0:07:31, 0:07:34]: Gary Morgan from KV KB Advisory Group. [0:07:35, 0:07:42]: On and Gary is looking into a tad for the city of Stockbridge. Uh Gary and I toured Stockbridge. [0:07:42, 0:07:44]: Uh not this [0:07:44, 0:08:04]: This past Friday, but the Friday before that. And he's conducting a study now on the possibility of doing a TAD. The reason for the TAD is, well, aside from the actual TAD, is we can use that and convert it to help with our opportunity zone. Gary has members on his team that are very familiar with using TADs and converting. [0:08:04, 0:08:18]: those two opportunity zones. So Gary's working on that now. He also has a presentation on TADS that he is willing to present to city council. So of course I'll speak to city manager Gardner about that. [0:08:19, 0:08:20]: Um [0:08:20, 0:08:23]: Let's see. And and I know Roger, I'm getting into [0:08:23, 0:08:26]: Some other things I I can keep going if that's okay. [0:08:27, 0:08:41]: Um that's fine, but if if um if you're talking about the uh the um the master plan and the um yeah yeah let's hold on that. Um hopefully Mr. Gardner can join a little bit later and then he can participate in that part of the discussion. [0:08:43, 0:08:46]: Okay. Um yeah, I was just gonna give give an update on on my part, but oh okay. [0:08:46, 0:08:53]: Um go ahead if you like. Oh okay. And then we can we can we can revisit once he gets here. [0:08:53, 0:08:56]: Um if if everyone saw that that T SW [0:08:57, 0:08:58]: document um [0:08:58, 0:09:03]: There is some funds, I think sixty thousand for a citywide economic development plan. [0:09:03, 0:09:08]: And of course the rest of the department would have to supplement the remainder cost. [0:09:08, 0:09:10]: But uh those are ARPA funds. [0:09:11, 0:09:31]: And the City Wide Economic Development Plan Development Plan would include the hospital, Eagles Landing, DDA, and Main Street. It would all be separate, the 138 corridor, however we draw up that scope of work. But that will be factored into the 2023 budget. So that's that's just just something to put out there as of right now. [0:09:31, 0:09:36]: Now, but we can get into everything else when uh when Mr. Gardner. [0:09:36, 0:09:44]: But Mr. Gardner gets on the line. But I would be just looking at the the deliverables and some things that we discussed with uh with TSW. [0:09:45, 0:09:58]: and uh and Gary, I'll be I would be the citywide city the contact for the citywide economic development plan and um also the urban redevelopment plan slash tad slash opportunity zone all that's wrapped up [0:09:59, 0:10:01]: uh into one. But um [0:10:02, 0:10:17]: Uh we are trying to coordinate a meeting now so that Gary can uh can meet with with all of the parties. So that's moving that the the TAD Opportunity Zone URP is is moving right along. [0:10:19, 0:10:23]: Very good. Thank you. Any any anything else, uh um Mr. Peterson? [0:10:24, 0:10:41]: uh that's about it and i i know i went through a lot yeah i have it all uh yeah i i have it all typed up and i can email it to you roger so you can add those things to the next agenda as far as the uh collaboration on the the the physical hard copy marketing material [0:10:41, 0:10:46]: The Persana agency, the direction with that, if any direction at all, the Main Street website. [0:10:47, 0:10:50]: And um of course this TSW information as well. [0:10:51, 0:11:08]: All right. And I think you said something about uh I guess the the potential speaker would speak about the TAD to the way TAD, you might want to explain what TAD stands for. I'm not sure if everyone sorry, tax ello uh tax allocation district. [0:11:08, 0:11:11]: And um UPEP is urban redevelopment plan. [0:11:12, 0:11:16]: And we we would need that type of plan for our opportunity zone. [0:11:16, 0:11:36]: Um, and in addition to a lot of maps and things of that nature. So when we say there's a lot of moving parts when it comes to the opportunity zone, that's what we we mean. Uh it it would involve uh you need you need outside help to get it done, you know, including GIS with certain maps, of course, Gary and his team working on the tab, converting that to an opportunity zone. [0:11:36, 0:11:39]: So that that's what we that's what we mean. [0:11:41, 0:11:53]: I I I guess staying on that point, it it might help for me. And you know, I've I've I've learned a little bit through the DDA training and so forth, but I'm not front and center on really deeply understanding. [0:11:54, 0:12:02]: Most of those concepts. Oh yes, Roger, if you yeah, if you email me, I'm I'm on my phone now. It's where I am, it's storming. [0:12:02, 0:12:12]: So my my yeah, my my connection's bad. I'm on my phone now. If you email me, I can email you because you're on the email with Gary and he he had the tab presentation, right? So you have that. [0:12:14, 0:12:34]: Uh I will I will check that. I I remember seeing a meeting invitation for you know, we were we were trying to arrange for a meeting. I I I I didn't take note that there was a presentation attached, but I'll no no, he he wasn't giving a presentation, that was just a sample presentation. Oh just explaining the tag. Yeah. So but if if you if you email me [0:12:33, 0:12:34]: Yeah. [0:12:34, 0:12:39]: Um I can email you information on any term that you have questions on or anything like that. [0:12:40, 0:12:56]: Well, I think what might be relevant is to kind of just condense those three, you know, the the the the the TAD, the the urban redevelopment and the um um I guess even the LCI is probably related to it and so forth. Just [0:12:56, 0:13:16]: I would say, you know, what are the key concepts that the DDA would need to understand? You know, we're a volunteer group and we want to support what you know, because I it I know that these are things that are important and when we need to stand behind as far as supporting for the city. Um, but I want to really be clear about what the DDA's role is in. [0:13:16, 0:13:36]: in supporting any of those elements. Yeah. Oh, Roger, I I completely understand and I'll get that to you. No, I get everything. I'll get you what's important. Yeah. And so whether it's a quick email or brief presentation, anything like that, that would just help us sort of summarize what uh what we need to know. And [0:13:36, 0:13:49]: And um, and as far as what the ask is of the DDA in the short term, is it, you know, do we need to bring somebody in on the agenda for say the August meeting or something like that? Just, you know, if you'll clarify from me what uh what we can do to support any of that. [0:13:50, 0:13:52]: Yes, sir. Sounds good. We'll do. [0:13:52, 0:13:53]: All right. [0:13:54, 0:13:57]: Questions or comments for uh Ms. Peterson? [0:14:03, 0:14:12]: All right. We will then move on to the next item on the agenda and that would bring us to um one moment. [0:14:12, 0:14:16]: Oh so the council updates. So Councilman Alexander, uh please go ahead. [0:14:18, 0:14:24]: All right, thank you. Again, I'm on my phone too. Spectrum is out, so I can't use my laptop. [0:14:25, 0:14:45]: Items that I would like to be able to look at while I'm talking and uh to express. But first of all, uh Miss Merritt, Miss Mr. Maxwell, uh they came out Bob, and we just had a great time at the July 4th event, and what they got to see and expand. [0:14:45, 0:14:49]: experience was exactly what a tool [0:14:49, 0:14:51]: The amphitheater can be. [0:14:51, 0:14:56]: Because uh, you know, when we uh when I hit the stage to talk about [0:14:56, 0:15:16]: uh what we have in downtown. When anytime you have a big crowd like that, you have business people in that crowd, you certainly can take that opportunity to introduce yourself. On that day we had the Henry County Development Authority members there. And there were several business owners and investors who were looking at the city. [0:15:17, 0:15:37]: uh in attendance. And as we know, when we come to the a lot of big business deals are done after hours uh in non-traditional settings over drinks or just having a good time where people feel like they know you they feel like that they can do business with you. And that's the kind of thing that we need [0:15:37, 0:15:41]: need to make sure that we are making ourselves available for. [0:15:41, 0:15:45]: Uh with a uh Bob, what was your experience? [0:15:48, 0:15:48]: Yeah, news. [0:15:49, 0:15:56]: I I I thought it was very well done. I th I thought the concert, I thought the whole thing was was uh it was a great evening. [0:15:56, 0:16:07]: The the only drawback was the the rain and that didn't stop us long. So I thought it was great. And again, thank you so much for you you were you were a very gracious host, uh Elton. So I thought it was good. [0:16:08, 0:16:09]: Just all the way around. [0:16:10, 0:16:12]: And Miss Mirror, think about it. [0:16:13, 0:16:26]: Yes, I had an incredible time and you know, definitely exceeded my expectations. And, you know, just to echo Bob's um sentiments, thank you so much for being such a gracious host. Um, you know. [0:16:27, 0:16:44]: Everything was excellent. Listen, even the weather didn't even bring it down, right? That's how that's how much of great energy it was. And I do see the greatness that Stock Bridge offers to its community and listen, surrounding areas as well. Um, I remember. [0:16:44, 0:16:45]: Um [0:16:45, 0:17:05]: I believe it was you, Councilman Alexander, said that we want to, or it was either Mayor, Mayor Ford actually said that we want to make the south of Atlanta the place to be in situations like that, right? Um, Stockbridge is well on its way, and I'm super excited and definitely proud to be a part of that. And duly noted what you just said. [0:17:05, 0:17:22]: just mentioned, you know, in that space where we were sitting, business owners and just other organizations that can help make Stockbridge great, I will definitely do more walking around and shaking hands and just introducing myself in future events. [0:17:24, 0:17:27]: Absolutely. Well, see in that setting there again, we had [0:17:28, 0:17:43]: uh several investors and business owners in that space that we, you know, several of them were sitting at my table. You got to meet some of them and just to talk about their interests in the city. And the one thing that we have to understand, the primary role [0:17:44, 0:17:50]: in the of the DA is that you can do something that C cannot. You can partner with [0:17:50, 0:17:57]: um private entities to provide the financing and the financial structure and the deals for them. [0:17:57, 0:18:06]: The city cannot deal directly with uh like selling properties and that kind of thing. That's the arm, that's the responsibility of the DDA. So [0:18:07, 0:18:27]: Understanding, you know, Main Street is a representation, but Main Street really has no financial wherewithal to accomplish these deals. So even if Main Street wanted to accomplish something, they would have to work through us uh as the DDA as the financial tool to make that happen. And the things that we started [0:18:27, 0:18:47]: To talk about very early, which were uh, you know, the uh revolving loan loan fund. As you're a business owner, your ears are gonna perk up because especially with interest rates rising and this uncertain market, you might be able to get 70 or 80 percent financing, but you might [0:18:47, 0:18:55]: Come up short. And we are able to do that once the revolving loan fund is set up to be able to help these businesses do what they do. [0:18:55, 0:18:57]: The relationship there. [0:18:57, 0:19:16]: Uh, we certainly can provide uh bond financing uh for these entities on private deals. Whereas the public facilities authority, they finance the amphitheater and municipal government projects when we have a big investor who wants to come in and they want to bring uh a number of jobs to [0:19:18, 0:19:26]: The downtown or a business entity downtown, they will come and they would work with us. So it's very important that we get to [0:19:27, 0:19:47]: uh talk and chat with them. And while I'm on this subject, I need to tell you there's another one coming up. Get excited about it. Okay. On August the 7th, there's another one. This one is the Centennial. The centennial celebration is August the 7th. And what it what will happen is it's actually two years [0:19:47, 0:20:07]: Late. We're going to celebrate a hundred-year anniversary of the city, but of course, COVID was going on and we couldn't celebrate at that time. So we're going to celebrate this year at the amphitheater on August the 7th. We again, I'm going to request that we have our own DDA tables so that the [0:20:06, 0:20:25]: DDA can attend and we can invite uh business interests to come chat with us, hang out with us, and talk about what opportunities that we have in downtown. And certainly that will be available. We have, I know we have the SOS band coming, which is an RB legendary band. [0:20:25, 0:20:27]: They will be headliners there. I think will be [0:20:28, 0:20:42]: uh at least one more band there too. But there will be uh a number of events going on that day. It will be a spectacular celebrating a hundred years of uh the city of Stockbridge being uh incorporated. So put that on your calendar. [0:20:43, 0:20:52]: And what I would like to do is to be able to ask this boy. Last time I I kinda uh I forgot to turn in my receipt. I need to make sure I turned in my receipt. I never did. [0:20:52, 0:20:58]: Uh for the food that I purchased, we need to be able to step up out of our budget to be able to. [0:20:58, 0:21:18]: uh put the because when you invite guests to an event you want to be able to provide food for them you want to be able to provide um you know refreshment so that uh that they uh feel very welcome and they feel very uh the hospitality is good we're rolling out the red car carpet for them so part of our budget [0:21:18, 0:21:37]: We need to allocate some money for food for that event on August the 7th so that we have food, preferably catered food set up to entertain our guests that will be there on this particular day. You know, in terms of uh the overall [0:21:38, 0:21:54]: uh playing for the city. We just had a meeting uh the other day. I mean citizens and including myself and that bunch have been asking what in the world is going on. We just tore up the downtown in front of the amphitheater and there seems to be nothing happening. [0:21:54, 0:21:59]: That I I reached into that to figure out what was going on with legal. [0:21:59, 0:22:19]: And apparently there was some properties and we as easements and they were given at the start uh on the downtown road projects in era without the without the easements. They should have never gotten started. And the easements should have been in place. So and what is an easement that is, you know, if you [0:22:19, 0:22:35]: even along the way. There's a roadway that's city property or county property or government that's called the right of way. Uh additionally, as we're putting down a ten foot path and widening the road, we have to encroach upon [0:22:36, 0:22:40]: of businesses or or homeowners property. So if we do that [0:22:40, 0:23:00]: then we have to pay them for that property and we have to gain that right uh under contract. So legal uh has signed off on uh a couple of parcels that were uh in question and now we should see some movement uh on those downtown projects now that we have secured the right of way or that additional property. [0:23:01, 0:23:12]: that we can lay the road, widen the road and then put the 10 foot path down. So I I was asking myself that same question. It doesn't seem like anybody's working on this project and the thing is all torn up. [0:23:13, 0:23:33]: Down on Lee Street, you can kind of see what they've done. They've actually put in another lane down there on Lee Street, and they've actually started to pay, put the uh 10-foot multi-use path down there so that you can actually uh you know a better walkability and connectivity uh for that particular area. So that would that was great as well. [0:23:33, 0:23:50]: well so understanding that we're trying to move these items forward to uh uh to great progress uh in the city and i'm interested uh very interested in having the city manager come on so certainly he can uh engage us as a planning expert [0:23:50, 0:24:10]: on the uh tax allocation district, uh the community development, uh community improvement district, and also the opportunity zone tax credits uh that we're uh pursuing uh for our business entities. Uh if you weren't at the last amphitheater concert, it was simply amazing. [0:24:10, 0:24:30]: It was a packed house of a crowd for the 70s old school show. And it was absolutely amazing. The crowd was adorned in white. Everybody had a good time. And if you think the energy was amazing on the 4th of July, being in there. Were you in there, Miss Barrett? Were you able? [0:24:30, 0:24:31]: Want to make it to the last one? [0:24:31, 0:24:50]: If you the the energy was on three times what it was because it was a packed house and um everybody simply enjoyed every single moment of it. And understand that amphitheater is the carrot. Okay. Many people get very confused when they like. [0:24:50, 0:25:03]: you know, start talking about the amphitheater. Well, you know, the amphitheater, uh you gotta spend money on this, you gotta spend money on that. And you know, the amphitheater the amphitheater is never gonna make a great deal of money. [0:25:04, 0:25:10]: that no government entity makes a great deal of money. It wasn't intended to do that. [0:25:10, 0:25:15]: It was intended to draw other businesses around it. [0:25:16, 0:25:19]: So those businesses will benefit. [0:25:19, 0:25:20]: From [0:25:20, 0:25:23]: the f the crowds that would come in from the amphitheater. [0:25:24, 0:25:28]: They would collect extra sales, turning around to extra [0:25:28, 0:25:48]: Taxes, tax, sales tax revenue, property tax revenue for the city. So the idea that the amphitheater is ever going to be this cash cow, it's never going to be that, is a carrot to draw other business entities in for us to form our downtown. Because when you build a class, a facility, [0:25:48, 0:26:00]: facility, other individuals like to be around it. And I want to take you on a real um a just a journey, if you would, about how this actually works, okay? [0:26:00, 0:26:06]: When the Atlanta Braves left Turnerfield, no one would have ever imagined that they would have left Turnerfield. [0:26:06, 0:26:07]: Okay. [0:26:07, 0:26:09]: And went out to Cog County. [0:26:09, 0:26:12]: But what it was was a public private partnership. [0:26:13, 0:26:15]: Work county. [0:26:15, 0:26:24]: Invested$400 million in Truist Park. The Brays put up another approximately$300 million. [0:26:24, 0:26:32]: paying that money back over 35 30 years maybe 35 40 years they're paying the money back [0:26:32, 0:26:40]: They were that that the the the truest park itself does not make direct profit for the county. [0:26:40, 0:26:42]: Oh it does not. [0:26:42, 0:26:50]: What makes direct profit for the county is a billion dollars in economic development around Truist Park. [0:26:50, 0:27:02]: So all when when the uh elevator company built a skyscraper around there, when Home Depot built their headquarters around there, why did they do that? They did that because we have [0:27:02, 0:27:02]: Виз [0:27:03, 0:27:23]: uh uh beautiful edifice and the Atlanta braze there. So the direct municipal investment truest is in debt 300 million four hundred million dollars that they're paying off. So it's not gonna make any money, but it has generated a billion dollars in economic development that's actually paying [0:27:23, 0:27:27]: and returning that money to the coffers. That's what we're doing. [0:27:28, 0:27:48]: We built the amphitheater. We invested$23 million at the last count into this facility to draw economic development. The only way that it's actually going to pay for itself or the benefit is to draw in that economic development. But guess what? It already did. We got a$45 million. [0:27:48, 0:28:05]: a STEM school. Why? Because we built the amphitheater. And let me guarantee you right now, if we had not built the amphitheater, there would be no STEM school coming to Stockbridge. They wanted to be, they wanted to see us make a move. They had that property. [0:28:05, 0:28:23]: but they had other options. But once they saw the moves that we were making in downtown and they saw this beautiful facility, they wanted their beautiful facility to be next to it. And they wanted to be a part of building this incredible plan in downtown that we've been working on. [0:28:23, 0:28:43]: uh to move forward. So those are the things that are going on uh in downtown. Uh in the city itself, you you you'd be very interested in this as well. You know, at my town hall we talked about the bridges at Jodeco, which is Jodoko Road, is actually taken off. If you go by there now, there's substantial construction going on there. [0:28:46, 0:28:48]: The R G and the Lee Family Unit uh [0:28:49, 0:28:55]: uh apartment complex or the luxury apartments. It's really a resort style develop where [0:28:55, 0:29:09]: You turn to care of everything else for you. And a lot of young people like that type of setting, which is the live, work, and play. Additionally, there's 140 townhomes that are under construction. Those will be the brownstone type townhomes. [0:29:10, 0:29:17]: I would anticipate that there would be anywhere between$450 and$500,000 in today's market. [0:29:17, 0:29:37]: but there will be within uh walking of shops and restaurants. Unofficially, Costco uh is coming there uh uh as well. They've actually started the clearing off uh of the property to put in the infrastructure for it and the city it is um reviewing the plans for the Costco to actually go there. [0:29:37, 0:29:57]: Matter of fact, Mr. Gardner and uh uh planning staff actually went to Dallas to visit Costco. Uh so understanding that it's it's serious and things are moving forward uh in that endeavor. And since they announced the Costco as the anchor, just like the amphitheater would be our anchor, the fun. [0:29:57, 0:29:59]: Phone is ringing off the hook. [0:29:59, 0:30:07]: Understand that Bonefish wants to come there now, uh understand Caravis wants to come there now, and then several others. So [0:30:07, 0:30:12]: It is cyclical. Whatever you do, when you put it down, you build it, they will come. [0:30:12, 0:30:17]: But people want to see you invest in yourself first. And once you invest in yourself. [0:30:18, 0:30:28]: Then they believe in where you're trying to go. And our story that we're telling right now is we're telling, and we're starting off uh at the amphitheater. And as I mentioned before, and I'll close by simply saying. [0:30:29, 0:30:44]: We need to have our own open houses uh at the amphitheater uh to the to to show off downtown, uh to do what we do and to make sure that we have marketing material. When I was in there at the very last event. [0:30:44, 0:30:48]: Right before each event comes on, they have a video of the city council. [0:30:49, 0:30:52]: Uh talking about the amphitheater and then they have [0:30:52, 0:30:53]: uh aerial view of it. [0:30:54, 0:30:57]: And uh to talk about downtown that [0:30:57, 0:31:00]: Is marketing gold for us. [0:31:00, 0:31:03]: in any presentation that we would ever make. [0:31:03, 0:31:05]: Uh for down for the downtown area. [0:31:05, 0:31:08]: And I would uh yield back to thank you. [0:31:11, 0:31:15]: Thank you, Councilman. Any any comments or questions for Councilman Alexander? [0:31:16, 0:31:27]: You know, I've noticed the pattern for me is that I always have questions after the councilman speaks. Um, I I do have uh I definitely have one. Um, you know, I am. [0:31:27, 0:31:29]: I'm connected. [0:31:29, 0:31:31]: Well within telecom. [0:31:32, 0:31:39]: And um, you know, I do know whenever we have these developments, these new developments, I know there definitely is a need for connectivity. [0:31:40, 0:31:40]: Um [0:31:41, 0:31:52]: And I'm going to go ahead and assume that Stockbridge definitely will need some more connectivity. When you mentioned, you know, of course, we definitely have as as DDA members, volunteers, we definitely have the power to. [0:31:52, 0:32:04]: um have these cu these connections and in in in you know and do some business with some of these uh businesses. Um I for one know one in particular um [0:32:04, 0:32:19]: that you know I'm actually employed with right and I diff I do have connections and quite frankly they are uh they know about my position here with Stockbridge and definitely have open ears and eyes for me right so [0:32:20, 0:32:24]: In example with Centennial, I mean I definitely have some gr great ideas to bring. [0:32:24, 0:32:31]: this company down. I don't know if I'm able to actually say it in the in this meeting, um, but I can definitely talk about it offline. [0:32:31, 0:32:32]: But [0:32:32, 0:32:37]: An example to Centennial, um, you know, um, is there a way [0:32:37, 0:32:40]: We can I can prove you know, like [0:32:41, 0:32:45]: Uh invite them, should I invite them through you or? [0:32:46, 0:32:54]: You know, how how do I how do I make that connection with the business and city council for I think that's the big question. [0:32:56, 0:32:58]: Well, certainly as a part of what we're doing. [0:32:58, 0:33:17]: uh uh at the september seventh event if you wanted to invite a guest that would be appropriate because we're there to entertain any business entity that would want to come and wants to see what's going on. That doesn't exclude you because you're employed by them obviously if there was ever a vote [0:33:17, 0:33:25]: That would come up to about anything that they would want to do, you would have to abstain from the vote. But in terms of their interest in the city. [0:33:26, 0:33:27]: We'd like to see that. [0:33:28, 0:33:28]: Okay. [0:33:29, 0:33:30]: Okay, great. [0:33:33, 0:33:34]: Yeah. [0:33:35, 0:33:38]: What do you want to invite? Let us know so we can give them [0:33:38, 0:33:45]: uh on our DEA list and we can uh fellowship, break bread with them and we can showcase what we got down to. [0:33:46, 0:33:48]: Anybody else want to on the list? [0:33:49, 0:33:49]: [2030.1, 2032.8]: That's exactly what I'm talking about, right? Yeah. [0:33:53, 0:33:59]: And would we coordinate through you personally, Councilman, or is there someone on staff that we should coordinate with? [0:34:00, 0:34:05]: Are you a coun uh counsel assistant, Rosalind Ross, I mean uh executive assistant, Rosalind Ross? [0:34:06, 0:34:08]: She would don't tell me because I might not tell nobody. [0:34:09, 0:34:13]: Roslyn, I'm sorry, I didn't get the last name. Rosalind Oh Rosalind. [0:34:15, 0:34:15]: Hello. [0:34:15, 0:34:19]: Did you uh the last name what what's her last name? [0:34:21, 0:34:25]: Rolls. Yeah. All right. [0:34:25, 0:34:26]: Very good. [0:34:27, 0:34:31]: Yeah, it just started now raining over here, man. The internet's kinda crazy, yeah. [0:34:32, 0:34:33]: Right. [0:34:34, 0:34:36]: All right, any other comments or questions for councilman? [0:34:39, 0:34:46]: Appreciate the updates and your and your leadership on that. Uh sir. Um with that we'll move on to um [0:34:47, 0:35:07]: See uh new okay, this brings us to new business. Um Barber had the first item on the agenda, which is Georgia Downtown Mentorship Program membership. I don't have the details on that, so I'm not prepared to discuss that. So we'll table that for our next meeting. Uh the next item under new business is excuse me, uh the TSW Master. [0:35:07, 0:35:27]: Master plan restart. Um, Mr. Peterson, I'll I'll cover what I know about this. Mr. Gardner's not joined us now, but maybe we can at least uh update the group as far as um uh what's been talked about. So um as I've mentioned before in this meeting, um the DDA commissioned a master plan. [0:35:27, 0:35:47]: for the downtown district. Just to clarify what that means, the master plan would define what type and scale of development is the market would allow for the downtown district. [0:35:47, 0:36:02]: And it would create a literal plan with much more detail. We have the RSVP. Many of you are familiar with the visioning project, but that's more of a high-level, just sort of an idea generating type of plan. There are some specifics in there. [0:36:02, 0:36:04]: But the downtown um [0:36:04, 0:36:06]: master plan would go a level deeper. [0:36:07, 0:36:27]: Um that project got stalled in 2020 for uh various reasons. Um, and um we have now been working for the last several months to resume the plan. An important component of that plan is the market study. And I've mentioned in this meeting that we have commissioned the uh this this board approved uh commissioning the [0:36:27, 0:36:47]: The Georgia Tech Innovation Institute to develop the market study. And I'll go ahead and provide that update since it's related to this discussion. Georgia Tech is on board with completing that plan by the end of this month. So we expect some details in our next meeting. So that's very exciting. Now, so we were [0:36:47, 0:37:07]: Ready to resume the master plan with the market study in hand, which was an important um activity to support the master plan. Um, the city in the meantime has been looking, and and Alan, this is where I'm going to need your help for input to better understand what you know what the um where we are at the moment. The city is looking to update. [0:37:07, 0:37:27]: the um the LCI and I think that's the Livable Cities Initiative. Um that is a program that allows for funding for um that's where I'm falling short Alan so I might ask you to sort of fill in the blank here but the but the key point as [0:37:27, 0:37:47]: As it relates to the master plan, is if we were going to commission a firm like TSW to develop a master plan, they can expand the scope slightly to include the LCI study so that we can be eligible for that funding. And I'm gonna kind of pause it right there and ask Alan to you know correct. [0:37:47, 0:38:03]: anything I misspoke and maybe bring, you know, fill in whatever I might have missed on that point. Uh Alan? Yeah. Oh, well, Councilmember Alexander, I I know you spoke on the LCI and uh I think you related the LCI to the amphitheater before, if I'm not mistaken. [0:38:04, 0:38:05]: Um [0:38:05, 0:38:08]: Did you wanna comment on comment on that before I go? [0:38:09, 0:38:09]: Really? [0:38:11, 0:38:21]: I think Mr. Gardner needs to come in at this point and talk about cause this is something that is key to what the city is trying to do to move forward with um [0:38:22, 0:38:28]: Opportunities on tax credit and he's had some conversations with PSW about uh the thing. [0:38:29, 0:38:42]: Master plan and I just honestly think the city needs to be the leader or the driver uh on anything that we do down there because we don't want to want to make sure that we're on the same page. So I think this is the perfect opportunity for [0:38:42, 0:38:44]: A city manager to [0:38:44, 0:38:46]: Uh in an objective process. [0:38:47, 0:38:48]: All right. [0:38:49, 0:38:57]: Um Alan, is there anything to add at this as this point? I just want to at least bring the board up to speed as to where we are with the particular effort effort. Yeah, we we need um [0:38:59, 0:39:03]: Uh like council like council member Alexander said we need uh city manager Gardner here to [0:39:04, 0:39:19]: to go into detail about that, but the the LCI Liverpool Center Initiative is through ARC, that's Atlanta Region Commission, and the LCI does open you up for funding for certain projects. [0:39:20, 0:39:24]: But uh Mr. Gardner can can go into more details about about the update. [0:39:24, 0:39:25]: Right. [0:39:25, 0:39:45]: So I think the way I'll could kind of conclude this part of the discussion, at least for now, without Mr. Gardner uh joining us to give a little bit better information, is to say that we may need to work with the city to you know leverage the master plan efforts that's already been commissioned by the DDA to expand the [0:39:45, 0:40:05]: The scope to update the LCI so that the city can be eligible for that funding. It's a change in scope so that can delay the project a little bit. I don't have the details around that as far as how much or for how long, but I just wanted to give you all the information that, you know, right now there this is an added element. [0:40:05, 0:40:22]: That's going to impact what the DDA had commissioned a few years ago. So we'll table that until we can bring Mr. Gardner in and get some more information. So thank you. With that, I'll move on to the next item on the agenda, which is the chairman's comments. [0:40:23, 0:40:24]: Go ahead, Alan. You had something more? [0:40:26, 0:40:28]: Before we move on, if we would [0:40:31, 0:40:34]: Yes, go ahead. I'm sorry. Who's speaking? Oh Mr. Alejander, yes. [0:40:36, 0:40:56]: Yeah, before we move on, what really happened was what needs to happen is the city officially approved. There was a couple of different recommendations that were given to the city. And the city approved LCI Plan B. That is the amphitheater that uh the the the development that we're given. So [0:40:56, 0:41:10]: uh it would be very helpful when that discussion happens is that you were presented with uh lci plan b that was uh the option given to us by the Atlanta regional commission. That's the one that we are we are pursuing. [0:41:10, 0:41:30]: uh in downtown. Now it does not go down to that like you said, that fine level of uh the exact placement of this, that, or the other, but it certainly gives you that overview of where we're filling in the pieces at. So the LCI plan B was approved by the city council and that is what [0:41:30, 0:41:50]: But that's the guiding document. And what it is is that when you're dealing with the LCI, which is the Liverpool initiative, it's a plan that's created by the Atlanta Regional Commission. They come in, they certify these plans, and then before you move forward with the and they make the recommendation on any types of [0:41:50, 0:41:52]: Funny they actually sound. [0:41:52, 0:42:12]: And then what they want you in consultation with the community, which they've had several community meetings and guidance and that kind of thing. And then once they do that, they want you to stick to the plan and then they want to see you executed as uh part of your comprehensive plan, which we have uh many of those steps included in the city comprehensive. [0:42:12, 0:42:19]: to plan already. So um again we'll defer to the city manager any additional explanation. [0:42:21, 0:42:25]: Very good. And uh any other comments or questions before we move on? [0:42:27, 0:42:47]: All right, very good. Um, so that that brings us to uh chairman's comments. So uh first item I wanted to bring up was the uh virtual meeting. So it's my understanding that the uh city attorneys have advised um the uh the city council and all the associated boards to begin meeting in [0:42:47, 0:43:07]: In person. I checked with our attorney and Mr. McCrae, Dan McCrae, and he replied that virtual meetings can be allowed if there is a resolution. And he offered to draft a resolution. But I wanted to bring it to this board as, you know, because the last time we spoke about [0:43:07, 0:43:27]: This. I think it was in the March or April meeting. The decision was to continue in a virtual format until you know that we just bring it up later. So I think it's appropriate to bring up the discussion now. So really I just want to open it up for discussion. What, you know, uh councilman, um, you know, Bob, Fran, what what are your thoughts on virtual? [0:43:27, 0:43:31]: virtual versus an in-person meeting. Any any preference one way or the other? [0:43:32, 0:43:35]: Um I can definitely um start but sharing. [0:43:36, 0:43:54]: Um, I am more I prefer more of a hybrid situation. I do understand the importance of in-person meetings, you know, because that's normally how we would meet um and handle business, but also um in these times, you know, we still need to be very vigilant with our health and and and be safe. [0:43:54, 0:44:03]: More safe than sorry, right? So I think we shouldn't make it a hybrid situation, definitely get a resolution so we can be virtual whenever we need to be. [0:44:04, 0:44:08]: All right, thank you. Chair Custom. Yes, ma'am. [0:44:08, 0:44:18]: Okay, so there's a conflict there because the city's attorney has stated and citing OCGA code that unless we have an executive order on file. [0:44:18, 0:44:21]: That we are out of compliance with open. [0:44:22, 0:44:23]: Meeting law. [0:44:24, 0:44:26]: So it if [0:44:26, 0:44:27]: Um [0:44:28, 0:44:31]: The DDA attorney and the city attorney can get on the same page. [0:44:32, 0:44:34]: Um that would be ideal. [0:44:34, 0:44:35]: All right. [0:44:36, 0:44:37]: Thank you. I appreciate that. [0:44:38, 0:44:44]: I have a quick question. Open the opens meeting law, that that's virtual. That's what allows us to be virtual. [0:44:45, 0:45:05]: I I I think the the Open Meetings Act is what require has uh sets the criteria for how public meetings must be held. You know, requires the, you know, how meetings need to be published, how it's supposed to be made public. And it actually, I think, uh um Vanessa, uh it it [0:45:05, 0:45:25]: It indicates that meetings must be held at a specific location in person. Um, but you know, with COVID, there was an executive, you know, you know, mandatory, you know, health mandate or whatever that allowed for an exception to the Open Meetings Act and allowed for the meetings to be held virtually. That has since been [0:45:25, 0:45:45]: And lifted. So we now don't have any authority. I think is what the city's attorney is arguing that there is no remaining authority that allows for virtual meetings. I will revisit with our attorney to uh bring up that point and maybe ask that he reach out directly to the city's attorney and come to a conclusion on that. [0:45:45, 0:46:03]: that. But and I I I I, you know, I until that's done, I'd still want to hear from the board because, you know, we made a decision to continue in a virtual format. And I want to respect the board's decision until we decide otherwise. So um [0:46:04, 0:46:08]: Um other c uh uh uh um um is Meredith, anything else you want to add? [0:46:09, 0:46:11]: To that point? No, thank you. [0:46:11, 0:46:14]: All right. Uh councilman, go ahead. [0:46:15, 0:46:35]: This is what I'm gonna say. Whatever y'all decide to do, I'm okay with that. I don't want to be the one making the decision for you. What I would say is let's not speculate, let's just let the two attorneys talk about it, work out the details. Because what I really think is is that the DDA is a separate entity, is not guided by the city uh [0:46:35, 0:46:55]: Because under state law is a separate institution. So the DDA might very well be able to pass their own resolution because you're separate from the city. So let's let the attorneys hash that out and to see what the fine tune is, to see what needs to be done. But in my respect, I'm going to step back and then whatever y'all [0:46:55, 0:46:57]: Y'all decide to do, I'm okay with it. [0:46:58, 0:47:08]: Perfect. Thanks, sir. Bob, any any thoughts or comments? Sure. Um I I I like I'm I like in-person meetings. Like I said, I'm kind of old school. [0:47:08, 0:47:16]: Um I I I certainly understand why um virtual meetings are are a good thing too, or hybrid like like Fran was saying. [0:47:17, 0:47:21]: Um but um but obviously bottom line and I think this is what Elka you know [0:47:22, 0:47:23]: We need we need to be [0:47:24, 0:47:26]: We need to obey the law, whatever it is. [0:47:26, 0:47:28]: And so the lawyers need to tell us. [0:47:29, 0:47:30]: What we need to do. [0:47:31, 0:47:35]: Uh yeah, they need to get on the same page and just tell us this is what you need to do. [0:47:35, 0:47:39]: And then I think at that point, a as Elton said, we can we can um [0:47:41, 0:47:42]: Make an intelligent decision. [0:47:43, 0:47:44]: Very good. [0:47:45, 0:47:45]: Um [0:47:45, 0:47:46]: Um [0:47:46, 0:47:49]: Uh Miss Holliday, was there were you trying to add [0:47:49, 0:47:51]: And then make another comment at that point I thought I heard your voice. [0:47:52, 0:48:08]: I agreed with uh what Councilman Alexander was stating with in regards to the board being a separate entity and also allowing for the attorneys to come together and advise because the DDA may very well be able to issue their own executive order. So I think that that may be [0:48:09, 0:48:11]: the route if that's what they agree on upon. [0:48:12, 0:48:16]: All right, thank you. And and you know, just adding my own comments. Um [0:48:17, 0:48:25]: I actually prefer virtual. I but I will say this. Um, above all, I want to remain compliant. [0:48:25, 0:48:45]: So, you know, regardless of what I feel or like or prefer, it doesn't matter. We need to be compliant with the law. So once we hear about, we'll clarify, I'll take the action item to clarify with the attorney and maybe even ask our attorney to speak to the city's attorney and come to a conclusion on this or at least a recommendation. [0:48:45, 0:49:04]: And and based on that, if it comes back that they say, oh yeah, we really should be meeting in person, then that will be what we'll do for our next meeting and going forward. Um but if if it's up to the DDA to just pass a resolution, then we'll put it on the agenda for the next meeting to you know put it up to vote as far as how we proceed. [0:49:04, 0:49:06]: Great. Thank you for that. [0:49:06, 0:49:07]: All right. Um [0:49:09, 0:49:12]: Um Mr. Gardner, thanks for joining. And I see you have your hand raised. [0:49:13, 0:49:14]: Yes, sir. [0:49:15, 0:49:16]: Go ahead. [0:49:16, 0:49:21]: Um I I apologize. We we were actually at our last meeting. [0:49:21, 0:49:24]: Local option sales tax meeting with the county. [0:49:24, 0:49:35]: um this evening and it ran longer than expected. So I I truly apologize for just joining you guys. And so I I heard um conversation around meeting in person versus [0:49:35, 0:49:37]: Um meeting virtually. [0:49:37, 0:49:40]: It is my understanding that the [0:49:41, 0:49:42]: The um [0:49:43, 0:49:44]: I'm gonna say [0:49:44, 0:49:47]: When the state pulled back on its uh [0:49:47, 0:49:48]: Authorization. [0:49:48, 0:49:53]: And then I think some communities went to the Feds. The Feds, if I'm not mistaken. [0:49:53, 0:49:55]: That um extension [0:49:55, 0:49:57]: of the right to to continue under the [0:49:58, 0:50:01]: Provisions that would have allowed for us to meet in person went away. [0:50:02, 0:50:04]: Um I think it was this [0:50:04, 0:50:08]: The eighteenth or the fourteenth of this of this month. [0:50:08, 0:50:11]: So I I don't know if there's any jerk. [0:50:11, 0:50:15]: Th I don't think there's any more justification under [0:50:15, 0:50:20]: under the law to allow for us to now go back to Virgin Mutu w meeting virtually. [0:50:20, 0:50:26]: Um unless the count less you know the state goes back and impose a state of emergency. [0:50:26, 0:50:28]: Hence all the feds do the same thing, but [0:50:29, 0:50:29]: Um [0:50:30, 0:50:34]: I think moving forward all of our boards um have to go back to meeting in person. [0:50:35, 0:50:55]: Understood. Thank you. All right. And uh we actually just left the item. Uh so before I move on to the next item on my agenda, um, Mr. Peterson, you're still with us. We were talking about the uh LCI, which is the you know the main reason we were uh uh asking you to join today's meeting, uh Mr. Gardner. So could you help clarify? [0:50:55, 0:51:13]: Um what the city is trying to do in terms of the LCI study as it relates to the master plan that the DDA has already commissioned with TSW. Can you kind of take it from there and help us understand what we're trying to do and how we can support the city's efforts? [0:51:14, 0:51:17]: So what Alan and I have been working on. [0:51:17, 0:51:23]: Is how do we create one of the biggest economic development tools? [0:51:23, 0:51:30]: Um that's that that's allowed that that we're as local government allowed to have, which is a tax allocation district. [0:51:30, 0:51:33]: Um the voters actually approve. [0:51:33, 0:51:35]: The referendum about two years ago. [0:51:36, 0:51:38]: To allow for the cities and the county. [0:51:39, 0:51:40]: to um [0:51:41, 0:51:44]: To uh implement the tax allocation law. [0:51:44, 0:51:46]: Um uh and so [0:51:47, 0:51:51]: I don't think anyone have actually taken advantage of that to date. [0:51:52, 0:51:54]: Um, we would potentially be the first. [0:51:55, 0:51:58]: And what that tool is, and and I'd give an example, it's an [0:51:59, 0:52:04]: It's the tool that that started Atlantic Station or the Cam Creek Marketplace in East Point. [0:52:04, 0:52:08]: Um there are other tax allocation districts um around the belt line. [0:52:09, 0:52:11]: Um, that's spurring development around the belt line. [0:52:11, 0:52:17]: Um and what it is, it's it's it's a tool that allow for us to freeze in place. [0:52:17, 0:52:19]: The current level of property tax. [0:52:20, 0:52:24]: But as development happens on a piece of property, we can [0:52:24, 0:52:25]: Yeah. [0:52:25, 0:52:29]: Let's say we have a master plan of what we want, we can actually [0:52:29, 0:52:32]: compute would that that property would be worth. [0:52:33, 0:52:35]: Um and amortize it over years. [0:52:36, 0:52:37]: And based on that [0:52:37, 0:52:40]: Um prior to getting built, we can bond. [0:52:41, 0:52:43]: Finance to a certain limit. [0:52:44, 0:52:47]: Um monies to provide for infrastructure improvements. [0:52:48, 0:52:51]: On the line, and it has to be lined, it has been troubled. [0:52:51, 0:52:54]: You know, land that hasn't, you know, been probable. [0:52:55, 0:52:57]: Probable and trying to get it developed. [0:52:58, 0:52:58]: Um [0:52:59, 0:53:01]: And we have such lands in the downtown area. [0:53:01, 0:53:03]: And so with that. [0:53:03, 0:53:04]: Um [0:53:05, 0:53:08]: We can look at a master plan of the area, determine what that value would be. [0:53:09, 0:53:13]: And we can bond finance infrastructure where the water, sewer. [0:53:13, 0:53:18]: Um something that's really needed in the downtown if we s as we start to grow, parking deck. [0:53:18, 0:53:23]: We can take those costs off the developer. Um, and by virtue of that. [0:53:24, 0:53:28]: allow for the development to happen at a at a reduced rate to the to the developer. [0:53:29, 0:53:33]: But over time, as the values are recognized in the development, it pays off the bond. [0:53:34, 0:53:35]: Um over time. [0:53:36, 0:53:38]: So an ask the property itself. [0:53:38, 0:53:41]: incentivizes the development of the property itself. [0:53:41, 0:53:45]: Um and his taxes pays back the bond. And once that's free. [0:53:45, 0:53:49]: That value then comes to the local school board, county and city government. [0:53:50, 0:53:57]: And so that's a huge tool for us because as we build downtown, we're going to have a need for a parking deck somewhere. [0:53:57, 0:54:00]: Um, we're gonna have need for moving infrastructure. [0:54:01, 0:54:06]: To provide for growth and development downtown and having that tool. [0:54:06, 0:54:11]: plays a huge part in lessening the cost on that on that developer so [0:54:11, 0:54:26]: In essence, we we've identified that that there's a public possibility for us to utilize our LCI study. And we've we've got one of the state finest in terms of tax allocation district finance in the Blakely Group. [0:54:26, 0:54:28]: Looking at our document. [0:54:28, 0:54:33]: Um and they're gonna come back and let us know, hey, this is what it's gonna take for us to be able to make this happen. [0:54:34, 0:54:34]: Um [0:54:35, 0:54:37]: And um once they do that. [0:54:38, 0:54:41]: Uh, we'll probably be able to have a a TAD document. [0:54:41, 0:54:42]: The key is [0:54:43, 0:54:48]: Working with the school board and the county to allow for us to utilize the school board increment. [0:54:49, 0:54:52]: So that's their portion of the taxes as well as the county. [0:54:53, 0:54:55]: Utilize their portion of the taxes. [0:54:55, 0:54:59]: And in essence, what what what we're gonna say to them is [0:54:59, 0:55:01]: This property has been vacant for [0:55:01, 0:55:02]: Thirty years. [0:55:03, 0:55:06]: Is there foreseeable development on this property in the next thirty years? [0:55:07, 0:55:08]: Probably not. [0:55:08, 0:55:11]: So if we're able to allow for development [0:55:11, 0:55:13]: In twenty to twenty five years. [0:55:14, 0:55:18]: I can now gener this property can generate this amount of taxes for the school board. [0:55:18, 0:55:35]: while still looking at what would be the impact on the school system itself. And for most folks who looked at downtown developments, you know, they're not the type of development that foster families. They're the type of developers that foster either somebody of the senior age or those young folks in the middle. [0:55:35, 0:55:38]: Who want a one bedroom above retail and they're gonna come in. [0:55:39, 0:55:44]: Um and live, work and play within the downtown area and take advantage of all the amenities that will be there. [0:55:45, 0:55:45]: Um [0:55:46, 0:55:55]: It's not a place where you see someone walking around with three farm with three kids and putting those kids in the school system. So our argument to the school board. [0:55:55, 0:55:58]: Would be one where we can prove that. [0:55:59, 0:56:03]: The amount of kids that would be generated by the development is minimum. [0:56:04, 0:56:13]: and allow for them to allow us to utilize their increment. And as long as we could use the city and the county's increment, that just makes the amount that we can borrow even more so. [0:56:14, 0:56:18]: Um and that's that's the key to the success of the child is getting them to agree. [0:56:19, 0:56:21]: Um, since it's never been done here. [0:56:21, 0:56:25]: I don't know the philosophy of the school board attorney. [0:56:26, 0:56:29]: And the philosophy of the school boards. [0:56:29, 0:56:30]: Uh chairperson. [0:56:31, 0:56:32]: Well, finance director. [0:56:33, 0:56:35]: Because those are usually the three people that would stop you. [0:56:36, 0:56:40]: Depending and having gone through this process in Fulton County. [0:56:40, 0:56:41]: Um [0:56:42, 0:56:45]: You know, we had to fight with the financed person. [0:56:45, 0:56:46]: And the attorneys. [0:56:46, 0:56:52]: The chair pro the the the school superintendent understood what we were trying to do and was on board. [0:56:52, 0:56:56]: We just had to fight with those the the finance director, the CFOs and the [0:56:56, 0:56:57]: And attorneys. [0:56:58, 0:57:00]: Um to get to the [0:57:00, 0:57:07]: the board to approve it and that was done I think right after I left, they approved the city to actually utilize the increment. [0:57:08, 0:57:10]: And full for the city of East Point. [0:57:10, 0:57:11]: After [0:57:11, 0:57:14]: Seven years of trying, eight years of trying. [0:57:15, 0:57:15]: So [0:57:15, 0:57:19]: Um hopefully we won't have that same issue here. [0:57:20, 0:57:26]: Um so we'll start having those discussions with the school board superintendent as well as with the county. [0:57:27, 0:57:36]: to see what their feeling is about allowing us to utilize the increments. The argument is right now you guys are getting nothing for a lot of these properties that, you know, we would want to identify in the time. [0:57:37, 0:57:38]: So you're not losing anything. [0:57:39, 0:57:41]: But if we're able to spurt development. [0:57:42, 0:57:42]: Um [0:57:43, 0:57:46]: The residual of that is you might not get property tax right away. [0:57:47, 0:57:51]: But for the commercial component as part of the mixed use developments downtown. [0:57:51, 0:57:53]: You'll get sales tax. [0:57:53, 0:57:54]: That you would not have gotten. [0:57:55, 0:58:00]: Right. Um and all of us live off a lost and and and splossed. [0:58:00, 0:58:08]: including the school board. So the more we could add to contribute to that, the benefit it is for them. So that's that's where we're going. Um I hope [0:58:08, 0:58:17]: is we could have a tad in place hopefully before the end of the year. I'm hoping I was hoping before the end of the summer, but that's riskful thinking. [0:58:17, 0:58:22]: Um, but really pragmatically looking at it, um, before the end of the year. [0:58:22, 0:58:26]: And that would be a huge tool for us because there is interest in the downtown. [0:58:27, 0:58:28]: Um as you guys know. [0:58:29, 0:58:34]: You know, if if we were to attract seven new businesses to want to come to downtown, there's nowhere to put'em. [0:58:36, 0:58:38]: We've gotta create that building space. [0:58:39, 0:58:40]: Um and right now [0:58:41, 0:58:42]: Um [0:58:42, 0:58:45]: I'm prepared to give a presentation to council. [0:58:45, 0:58:46]: On Tuesday. [0:58:47, 0:58:52]: of a group that's that's interested in building on the existing city's footprint. [0:58:52, 0:58:55]: Um on Berk Street, two to three story makes you [0:58:58, 0:59:00]: And uh make that happen within the next two to three months. [0:59:02, 0:59:06]: So that would be a huge deal for us because now we would have space necessary. [0:59:07, 0:59:09]: For folks who want to invest to be able to come. [0:59:10, 0:59:12]: That white box space will be there. [0:59:13, 0:59:14]: Um so [0:59:15, 0:59:15]: Yeah. [0:59:16, 0:59:21]: The the problem we're gonna run into obviously is that the city is gonna have to transfer that property to either you guys. [0:59:22, 0:59:26]: Or the URA to make it to make it happen because the city can't dispose of property. [0:59:26, 0:59:29]: without going through that pro to that bid process. [0:59:29, 0:59:31]: You guys can do that. [0:59:32, 0:59:35]: So um and and I understand it. [0:59:35, 0:59:37]: You know, we we we need to put [0:59:37, 0:59:42]: put that put put utilize the tools that we've we've put in place to make things happen. [0:59:42, 0:59:42]: Sure. [0:59:43, 0:59:46]: That's that's kind of where where we are with it. [0:59:46, 0:59:49]: Um we're waiting to get some response back from the Blakely group. [0:59:50, 0:59:51]: Um as to you know [0:59:52, 0:59:56]: Where where how long is it gonna take for us to get that to manifest that document and [0:59:57, 0:59:58]: Bring it before council and [0:59:58, 1:00:00]: Go before the school board. [1:00:00, 1:00:05]: And they'll have to justify their numbers to the school. We'll have to justify our numbers to the school board. [1:00:05, 1:00:06]: Um [1:00:06, 1:00:10]: I don't know who they would use because the school board usually doesn't [1:00:10, 1:00:13]: review that in house because of the complexity of it. [1:00:13, 1:00:16]: Um most of the communities that I've [1:00:16, 1:00:18]: dealt with with tide they typically use the [1:00:19, 1:00:20]: Um [1:00:21, 1:00:23]: Georgia State School of Business. [1:00:24, 1:00:25]: Um [1:00:25, 1:00:26]: Del go. [1:00:27, 1:00:30]: Over there, the professors over there, they usually use them to evaluate. [1:00:30, 1:00:34]: The the TAD document to see whether or not the school board would lose or not lose dependent on [1:00:35, 1:00:38]: So I know they've done that work on numerous stats that I've worked on before. [1:00:41, 1:00:44]: Very good. Thank thank you for that. I appreciate that briefing. Um [1:00:45, 1:01:01]: And you know, we we actually initiated some work with Bleakley Group to, they were going to be used, the DDA was gonna commission them, or actually was the city was gonna utilize them to provide the market study that would companion the master plan that's on the table with uh, you know, the DDA with TSW. [1:01:02, 1:01:22]: Do you do you have an understanding, Mr. Gardner, as far as what impact that has on the master plan that we've been, you know, because the for me that I think the key point I'm trying to understand is we commit the DDA commissioned a master plan. We're ready, we've now, you know, required a market analysis to accompany the master plan so that it can be a meaningful [1:01:22, 1:01:37]: document that supports supported by data. We're scheduled to have that market study completed at the end of this month right now, which would spawn the initial the resumption of the master plan for the downtown district. [1:01:37, 1:01:41]: But now this is an element where it sounds to me like [1:01:42, 1:02:02]: If the city wants to increase the scope of the master plan to support an LCI study, then that's going to impact that project's time and cost. Do you have any sense of the time and cost impact to the DDA's master plan to [1:02:02, 1:02:06]: expand the scope with um to include an LCI study. [1:02:06, 1:02:08]: So no, so [1:02:08, 1:02:18]: The the LCI study that we're using is the one that was adopted back in twenty twelve, which would have been the update, updated most recent updated document. [1:02:19, 1:02:21]: Bringing that to date because obviously. [1:02:21, 1:02:23]: The numbers the [1:02:23, 1:02:24]: The obviously the economic [1:02:25, 1:02:29]: done back then was just us writing riding through and coming out of recession. [1:02:29, 1:02:33]: So those those numbers w would need to be re looked at. [1:02:34, 1:02:43]: But this would not impact any in thing in terms of the master plan. I you know, I do have a question having read through the [1:02:43, 1:02:46]: The um Renaissance Renaissance strategic [1:02:46, 1:02:47]: Vision plan. [1:02:48, 1:02:51]: Um, because that entails having a master plan component. [1:02:52, 1:02:56]: in it. So I I don't know how much in more in detail. [1:02:56, 1:03:04]: Do do you see a master plan going outside of that document that was done recently? [1:03:04, 1:03:05]: Um [1:03:06, 1:03:08]: You know, I I I I [1:03:08, 1:03:11]: I don't want us to kind of get into a situation. [1:03:11, 1:03:12]: We're we're [1:03:13, 1:03:24]: We've got the LCI document, which was an area, area-wide LCI, if I'm not mistaken. And I thought it was a specific area, but it wasn't. So it included a huge swath of area. [1:03:25, 1:03:28]: It was not just the downtown, but outside of the downtown. [1:03:29, 1:03:41]: Um so to have that document as the base and then refining that document to the specific downtown would be and would have been your RSVP plan. [1:03:41, 1:03:47]: that would have looked at narrowing that down and bringing it to a to a final focus. [1:03:47, 1:03:52]: Um uh in terms of redevelopment opportunities within the downtown area. [1:03:52, 1:03:53]: And then [1:03:54, 1:03:56]: from not taking your mask your your [1:03:58, 1:04:08]: your market analysis and using that to then fine-tune hey what are those types of uses that are most like that are most needed in the area and how do we [1:04:08, 1:04:17]: How do we attract those those most needed type of retail commercial housing uses and how justifiable is it? [1:04:18, 1:04:21]: um that we can be able to sell to a developer. [1:04:21, 1:04:22]: Um [1:04:22, 1:04:26]: What we're doing in terms of the TADE document is saying that [1:04:26, 1:04:33]: Whatever development proposals that you see that account that that are for part of that that master that um [1:04:33, 1:04:36]: market analysis that says, yes, we can support [1:04:37, 1:04:45]: you know, for mixed use development within the downtown area. And here's the viability behind it. Now we have a tool that incentivize those potential. [1:04:46, 1:04:46]: Yeah. [1:04:47, 1:04:47]: So [1:04:48, 1:04:49]: Um [1:04:50, 1:04:50]: You know [1:04:51, 1:05:01]: When I heard that you guys were looking at a a a downtown master plan again, I was I was wondering, you know, what what different from the RSVP do you guys see? [1:05:01, 1:05:14]: that need to be refined. Obviously, yes, the market analysis need to be looked at because that's the document we're going to use to entice developers to come and say, hey, this is viable and here's the numbers to justify it. [1:05:15, 1:05:35]: Right. Right. Well, if if if I may interject to address that's that's been a common response, but the DDA itself had that same response when the idea of a master plan was first um proposed. Um the expectation with the downtown master plan is that would it would deepen the detail that was it would really um [1:05:35, 1:05:55]: Expand the RSVP with the market analysis and show exactly the the the type and scale of development that is now supported with the market analysis and show exactly where the city wants it, including connectivity. So fine-tuning that. [1:05:55, 1:05:57]: Trying to tune in that L CI even more so. [1:05:57, 1:06:17]: Exactly in the downtown district. And it would show, okay, we've got an amphitheater city hall here. We've got this district. RCP shows that, you know, this is the idea of what we want in this area. Then it takes that market analysis and show, okay, now we can put a five over one over here and it's supported by the market analysis. Or, you know, it needs to be spread out. [1:06:17, 1:06:30]: with less density because or it needs to be, you know, you understand uh the point that that was the intent of the master plan. So then we can actually show the developers, the potential developers to say. [1:06:30, 1:06:32]: This is what the city wants. [1:06:32, 1:06:34]: Right. Do you want to come build it? [1:06:35, 1:06:49]: You know, or do you know how and then then the elements of like the TAD and the other incentives now then bring a sort of a toolkit as Councilman Alexander has mentioned that we can then bring, you know, really make it attractive to developers to bring in. [1:06:49, 1:06:53]: Yeah, so that's the role the master plan was gonna serve. [1:06:54, 1:06:57]: I you know, I frankly, I'll just speak very Blountly. [1:06:57, 1:07:03]: I'd I'd prefer if we not have to delay that further, but at the same time, I also want to support. [1:07:04, 1:07:24]: If you know, I don't want the city to have to duplicate a master study that could be incorporated with the master plan by just expanding the scope. No. Um, because you know we're here to partner with the city, not to work against you or have to duplicate your work, you know? No. So so in essence, I I think you hit it right on the head. And and it's [1:07:24, 1:07:44]: It's not a duplication of services. In essence, what it is doing is like you said, it's allowing us to drill down and when we actually identify those users around the downtown area, we have a we have a special tool in our toolbox that can help incentivize that development through lessening some of the development costs off of that developer through. [1:07:44, 1:07:52]: The tax allocation district, you know, one, there's no need for you to build to build parking because we got strictly parking covered under this. [1:07:52, 1:07:56]: You know, if we have to move infrastructure in bigger pipes. [1:07:57, 1:08:02]: water sewer infrastructure to support this, we we have a mechanism to pay for it. [1:08:02, 1:08:16]: Right. And that that cost isn't born by the developer, it's born by the future growth of the development itself. All right. And and these guys understand that dynamics. So definitely it's not working against, I think it's actually working in concert. And [1:08:17, 1:08:18]: And it's not. [1:08:18, 1:08:22]: You know, even though we're using a different document to fine tune it. [1:08:22, 1:08:25]: Um to make to to to get to the basis of [1:08:25, 1:08:26]: The Todd. [1:08:27, 1:08:32]: That other document doesn't it it it doesn't supersede because I think the market analysis is gonna bear [1:08:33, 1:08:34]: And we can use that. [1:08:34, 1:08:46]: Um, that's where we'll be working in concert with the Bleakly group with your the market analysis. They're gonna use that document to justify the TAD. So that's gonna happen. Um, so we're actually on the same course. [1:08:46, 1:08:53]: Um in terms of working together. Um the key is obviously, you know, for us as as [1:08:53, 1:08:58]: As we go through the time continuum of make of getting to that master plan. [1:08:58, 1:09:02]: You know, there's always there's always wish for folks to want to come in in the gap. [1:09:03, 1:09:03]: Right. [1:09:04, 1:09:11]: to want to want to make an investment opportunity. And by not losing them, we we I think we have a substitute document that can help. [1:09:11, 1:09:23]: Um and clarify and let them know that we're the re refining this even more. But if you're willing to go ahead and move forward with the development, go ahead. I mean, if it's in keeping with what we see in terms of our vision. [1:09:24, 1:09:35]: Let's make it happen. Um, I'm not gonna tell them hold off another six months or another nine months um until we finish. No, because that document then be used to justify the other projects. [1:09:36, 1:09:43]: that's that's that's that's needed in the downtown area. Um and so we could continue moving on that basis. So I I I think [1:09:43, 1:09:44]: We're on the same page. [1:09:45, 1:09:52]: I think we're moving in concert and the document specifically the market analysis is gonna be something that's gonna be a crucial part of the [1:09:53, 1:09:59]: um of the TAR document because we have to be able to justify the development and that's gonna give us those that those numbers. [1:10:01, 1:10:17]: All right. So thank you. So just to make sure I understand, uh Scartner, um the DDA should uh can and should proceed with the once the market analysis is completed, we should proceed with resuming the master plan with TSW as originally scoped. [1:10:19, 1:10:19]: That's true. [1:10:20, 1:10:35]: Okay, that's that's really what and and we'll keep you informed. Of course, you know, Alan's part of that discussion. Every conversation I have with uh Mr. Uh Mr. Tanell, uh our contact over at uh TSW, Alan's part of that, so he can make sure that if there's any [1:10:35, 1:10:38]: work that can be leveraged or [1:10:38, 1:10:51]: Yeah, anything like that so that we may so that we remain working in concert with the city and not in any opposition. Right. And and and I will tell you as as as we get opportunities, like I said, to come within that time, continu within that continuum. [1:10:52, 1:10:52]: You know [1:10:53, 1:10:56]: We we're going to have to ask you guys to act on our behalf. [1:10:57, 1:10:59]: To make a deal such as that happen. [1:10:59, 1:11:04]: Right. You know, because it and so I I want everybody to understand that [1:11:05, 1:11:07]: You know, we we've we gotta be in a in a [1:11:08, 1:11:10]: in a flexibility arena. [1:11:10, 1:11:15]: Well, hey, we might have to turn on a dime and do this to make this project happen. [1:11:15, 1:11:16]: Now [1:11:16, 1:11:18]: Um versus later. [1:11:18, 1:11:19]: Um [1:11:19, 1:11:24]: And if we have to, you know, what does the city desires of us to make this project happen? [1:11:24, 1:11:25]: And obviously. [1:11:26, 1:11:27]: You know, that will be us. [1:11:27, 1:11:28]: No. [1:11:28, 1:11:32]: The one business that the city is not supposed to be in is the real estate business. [1:11:32, 1:11:33]: Right. Um [1:11:34, 1:11:48]: We're not. And that's not part of that's not part of our chartered function um under under local government services is real estate. It's not. And so the state allowed for us to have those entities that can do. [1:11:48, 1:11:59]: and can transfer property without having to go through an onerous process um to get a desired result. And so you guys is one of those tools. The URA is one of those tools. [1:11:59, 1:12:04]: That can make that happen. Um, and so right now, you know. [1:12:04, 1:12:12]: If we want a s I guess a strong DDA and and and um Council Member Alexander can speak to this, you know, we gotta put y'all to work. [1:12:13, 1:12:17]: And I I I wanna I wouldn't want to put you guys to work'cause [1:12:17, 1:12:18]: You know [1:12:19, 1:12:24]: mean this this is what you're here for is to help facilitate development and to dial down. So [1:12:24, 1:12:28]: If if this deal goes as planned, um [1:12:28, 1:12:43]: It it is my hope that council would approve for us to to transfer this property over to you guys. And then that landswap could happen in in in a way I think that's amenable for ever agreeable for everybody, even though it won't be with the city itself, it will be with the DDA. [1:12:44, 1:12:51]: that you know the city's vision for the disposition and construction and development of the property is in keeping. [1:12:51, 1:12:53]: And that's that's it. I mean [1:12:53, 1:12:54]: You know. [1:12:54, 1:12:55]: Um [1:12:55, 1:12:58]: I I just somebody asked me today at the county, you know. [1:12:58, 1:13:05]: You know, what what what's going on in the city? I s you know, I mean I lit up like a darn light bulb. I'm like, there's so much opportunity right here, right now. [1:13:06, 1:13:07]: Um if we have before us. [1:13:08, 1:13:09]: You know, um [1:13:10, 1:13:14]: I mean, I'm tickled. Like, hey, this the last time I've been in this kind of mode was [1:13:15, 1:13:16]: you know, and and Griffin. [1:13:17, 1:13:21]: You know, when we're planning around redeveloping downtown Griffin and [1:13:21, 1:13:28]: and you know creating a the amount of star fronts that you see now when you go there. But yeah, I mean this is exciting time for us. [1:13:28, 1:13:30]: The the interest is here. [1:13:31, 1:13:36]: And I as I said before, I think we have to be in a mood in a flexibility mode. [1:13:36, 1:13:38]: That when we have to turn on a dime. [1:13:38, 1:13:50]: that we can turn on a dime and meet the needs of that development coming in and make sure they get into this process and get out of the process in a seamless, smooth way. That is that is it. [1:13:50, 1:13:54]: Um and so I I think the next few months is gonna be [1:13:54, 1:13:58]: Um exciting times for everybody in the downtown area, and I hope. [1:13:58, 1:14:02]: that you know, and pray that it has happened. But we're gonna have to put some skin in the game. [1:14:03, 1:14:08]: Um I'm gonna talk to Mr. Alexander a little bit more because the city's gonna have to put a put put a vote. [1:14:09, 1:14:09]: And um [1:14:10, 1:14:12]: We're we're gonna put to have to put some skin in the game. [1:14:12, 1:14:15]: But we're at a golden opportunity time to actually [1:14:16, 1:14:19]: Now make some things happen downtown and provide for. [1:14:20, 1:14:21]: business opportunity. [1:14:22, 1:14:22]: Not development. [1:14:23, 1:14:26]: business opportunity to happen in the downtown area. [1:14:27, 1:14:30]: Um and that's gonna happen with us being able to start new construction going. [1:14:31, 1:14:31]: Um [1:14:31, 1:14:32]: Um [1:14:32, 1:14:33]: I will tell you it. [1:14:34, 1:14:37]: It's some exciting times. I mean, if if if we do this. [1:14:37, 1:14:38]: Um [1:14:39, 1:14:44]: You know, we we change the names on the downtown blocks and we can name buildings and stuff after everybody on the D DA. [1:14:44, 1:14:46]: In the city council, right? [1:14:46, 1:14:47]: Mm-hmm. [1:14:47, 1:14:59]: Well, if I could real quick uh follow up on all of that, I'm I'm extremely excited about what's going on and talk about this, Mr. Gardner, how this transfers into [1:14:59, 1:15:04]: the urban redevelopment plan to uh get us moving on the opportunity zone. [1:15:05, 1:15:09]: Yeah, I mean that's the next toolbox tool in the toolbox. [1:15:09, 1:15:10]: And so [1:15:11, 1:15:16]: You know, when we talk about the TAD and that helping on the on the construction side. [1:15:16, 1:15:26]: what happens on the other side that once that construction is in place, we now have another tool in the toolbox that to incentivize a business coming into that white box. [1:15:27, 1:15:36]: And that's the opportunity zone that allow for up to thirty five hundred dollars per employee. They gotta stay one year. I don't think that provisions change, but if you keep them for one year. [1:15:37, 1:15:40]: those employees, you don't have to pay that money to the to the state. [1:15:41, 1:15:45]: What that does is allow you to apply that money back into your business. [1:15:45, 1:15:49]: for advertising your business, you know, strengthening your employee pay. [1:15:50, 1:15:51]: You know, if need be. [1:15:52, 1:15:55]: But it gives that div it gives that investor. [1:15:55, 1:15:59]: that that relief that they don't have to to do. [1:16:00, 1:16:03]: The other tool in that toolbox and [1:16:03, 1:16:17]: I I I it I I hate using you bringing it up because it doesn't work very well with the TAD, which is an enterprise zone. That's a property tax abatement. So they've got to own the property to take advantage of it. I think um [1:16:17, 1:16:27]: Where we will start to have some use around that is some getting some of the resident existing residential around the ne around the area to potentially. [1:16:28, 1:16:39]: re you know, rehab and redevelop themselves, whereby increasing the market value around around um the downtown area. Um that's a tool we've used before. [1:16:39, 1:16:44]: Um and if that happens, it it has a halo effect on the tide itself. [1:16:44, 1:16:53]: Um so those tools are going to be necessary. Um, I will tell you some of the other tools we could look at. Um [1:16:54, 1:16:58]: We can put a package together whereby reducing permit costs. [1:16:59, 1:17:00]: Um [1:17:00, 1:17:07]: I know for for for a developer in the downtown area specifically. If you're a brand new business that's locating [1:17:07, 1:17:08]: In the downtown. [1:17:09, 1:17:12]: You get fifty percent or seventy percent of all permits. [1:17:14, 1:17:14]: Okay. [1:17:15, 1:17:15]: Um [1:17:16, 1:17:18]: and and we can give you [1:17:18, 1:17:21]: Water and sewer relief that you only pay. [1:17:21, 1:17:27]: You know, your first three years or your first five years, you pay zero and then it comes back incrementally in terms of what you pay. [1:17:28, 1:17:30]: All of those all of those things. [1:17:31, 1:17:46]: gives back money in the hands of that investor to you know hopefully not to run off with it and say, hey, I got a windfall, but to put back in their business, to ply back into their business. Because as we talked about it before, those first three years. [1:17:47, 1:17:47]: Gee. [1:17:48, 1:17:50]: And um and as as as [1:17:51, 1:17:54]: As as the local government, what we could do to relax. [1:17:54, 1:17:55]: The burden. [1:17:56, 1:18:01]: on our local businesses coming in the downtown area in those first three years is key to their long-term success. [1:18:02, 1:18:22]: I I'm I'm all aboard on every last one of those, the permitting fees being waived or or the reduced. Uh just uh the water sewer uh being reduced. Certainly uh we don't have like you said, we don't have a city property tax to abate. So certainly those ideas uh would be something that I'm I'm [1:18:22, 1:18:28]: supportive of because they're all tools and those are incentives, which is something that we don't currently offer. [1:18:30, 1:18:30]: But we will. [1:18:31, 1:18:32]: We will, sir. [1:18:33, 1:18:34]: All right, Rick. [1:18:34, 1:18:54]: Thank you. Um any other comments or questions? And and I'd like to add that I want to move on. I've tried to keep this meeting to end at 7 30, but I think we're gonna run a f uh maybe about five minutes over. Um so if it's all right, I'll move on to the next item on the agenda. So um the uh uh the I [1:18:54, 1:19:01]: I wanted to check in um Vanessa, um, has there been any any applications for the vacant board position? [1:19:07, 1:19:17]: I'm gonna assume no, because we haven't heard or seen any. Um, but I just wanted to sorry, were you not able to hear me, Roger? No, there have not been any any applications received for the DDA position. [1:19:17, 1:19:36]: All right. And and let me extend that to everyone who's in this meeting. If you if you if you know of anyone who would want to serve on this board, um, we really, you know, we have a vacant position and it's really important that we staff this board so that we can take action when needed, as uh Mr. Gardner said. Yes, Mr. Gardner, go ahead. [1:19:37, 1:19:37]: Oh. [1:19:37, 1:19:43]: Is which which position is that um that's on the DDA? Because I know [1:19:43, 1:19:58]: They have to you guys have to have certain people and they have to meet certain criteria. Do you know which one that is? Does it have to be a city resident or is that the one that you can county resident? The statutory requirement is that they they either need to own or operate a business in the downtown district or [1:19:59, 1:20:01]: Um own property. [1:20:01, 1:20:10]: at the or actually be a resident in the uh greater uh city of stockbridge. So those are the one one of those two criteria. [1:20:10, 1:20:11]: Okay. [1:20:12, 1:20:32]: All right. And um the next item I'd like to bring up, I I just wanted to take a moment. I just I don't want this to be more than five minutes, uh so by my clock it's 7.23, just to share what what uh what I'm seeing as uh the the downtown today. [1:20:32, 1:20:34]: Um so um [1:20:35, 1:20:38]: We uh do this from a beginning. Are you all able to see the screen? [1:20:40, 1:20:43]: If I can get confirmation on that. Yes. Yes. Thank you. [1:20:44, 1:21:04]: Um, I took these pictures today. So, Mr. Councilman Alexander addressed this this uh earlier when he spoke that the widening of the uh East Atlanta Road um has been stalled for several months. He thank you for your update, sir. Um you did say that uh there were some uh issues with the easement there. Um this is the [1:21:04, 1:21:24]: The Burke Street project that is looking the way it looks right now. This is the alleyway, which now has new potholes. I also mentioned that Mr. Fletcher, Fletcher and Sons, who did the uh took advantage of the facade grant uh uh feature, did pave this area himself out of his own. [1:21:24, 1:21:44]: Expense a couple of years ago, and this is now how it's looking because we do have a drainage issue there. Um, and then this is uh the back of 114. Um, and uh you'll notice uh it doesn't look very good. There's uh rotted wood around the door there. Um, this is the front of 114. This is a property. [1:21:44, 1:21:53]: owned by the city now, I believe two or three years now. Uh three years. This is a plexiglass door. It's warping. [1:21:53, 1:22:11]: Um so I I'd like just to understand what uh you councilman, you you spoke to the East Atlanta Road Widening Project. So um I understand that was uh an issue there, but uh can you help me understand what the issue is with the the other items that are fully within control of the city? [1:22:12, 1:22:21]: I think as far as we're concerned, there are several interested parties and uh we should see that resolve itself with the economic development. [1:22:21, 1:22:22]: Um [1:22:22, 1:22:36]: opportunities in the city and the the investors because there was a discussion at uh in uh amongst the council in uh with what we needed to do uh we got an estimate back on the [1:22:36, 1:22:37]: Um [1:22:37, 1:22:40]: The improvements to the building and it was [1:22:40, 1:22:43]: It was over three hundred thousand dollars. I mean [1:22:43, 1:22:49]: It really didn't really didn't make much sense for us to put three hundred thousand dollars in a building that [1:22:49, 1:22:53]: uh wasn't gonna recoup that amount, but it certainly makes sense to [1:22:53, 1:22:55]: Uh maybe transfer that to [1:22:55, 1:22:57]: A private entity. [1:22:57, 1:22:59]: where they could actually work on it. [1:22:59, 1:23:02]: And then uh use s the certain incentives to [1:23:03, 1:23:05]: encourage them to develop this particular project. [1:23:06, 1:23:09]: Ба іно, ви сердні кін кипят in. [1:23:09, 1:23:28]: better appearance and better uh to make sure that it's representative of where we're trying to go. But I surely expect that this building has, I know at least two to three interested parties in it. And we expect that to be resolved once the uh estimate for the building is brought is uh is finished. [1:23:29, 1:23:35]: All right. Um I'll note again that it's been owned by the city for three years. Um Alleyway Project. [1:23:38, 1:23:42]: Uh I'll let Mr. Gardner uh fill us in on the um [1:23:42, 1:23:47]: on on the particulars of Mr. Peterson as well. But again, as I said, those [1:23:47, 1:23:48]: particular entities or [1:23:49, 1:23:59]: or or work and we expect the private uh development to correct the uh initial as far as the person who made the motion to fund the three hundred and fifty thousand dollar [1:23:59, 1:24:11]: alleyway project. I'm interested in seeing it move forward uh as much as the next person is, but apparently there was some easement issues there as well. Correct, Mr. Barney, Ms. Gardner. [1:24:13, 1:24:18]: Um Alan, you guys are more than tune. As far as as far as one fourteen MLK is concerned. [1:24:19, 1:24:24]: Uh I received that's appraisal Monday and we are meeting. [1:24:24, 1:24:31]: to uh discuss what we're gonna do going forward with 114 mlk uh and the in the appraisal [1:24:32, 1:24:42]: Uh we received two value two appraisal values, one as is and the other value uh if we were to white box it. So we're gonna meet about that tomorrow. [1:24:42, 1:24:48]: and possibly discuss that with council during executive session at the next council meeting. [1:24:48, 1:24:57]: As far as the alleyway project is concerned, we're following up on with our attorneys on the easement issues with the alleyway project. [1:24:58, 1:25:00]: All right. And Burke Street? [1:25:02, 1:25:08]: Uh out check with public works on the Berk Street. Yeah, Berk Street there's there's still the the consultants are still out there working. [1:25:09, 1:25:11]: Um to get it going there, you know. [1:25:12, 1:25:15]: The once they got everything situated, one of the issues is they're trying to [1:25:16, 1:25:18]: Get authority to bore under [1:25:19, 1:25:21]: One thirty eight and over into [1:25:22, 1:25:23]: Food, worlds, property. [1:25:24, 1:25:26]: And food world is not agreeing on that. [1:25:27, 1:25:31]: Um I spoke to Dashus about that this past weekend. [1:25:31, 1:25:32]: And so hopefully [1:25:33, 1:25:35]: We'll be able to to a leap. [1:25:35, 1:25:36]: Get a work around that. [1:25:37, 1:25:40]: Um, but that that project is uh still ongoing. [1:25:41, 1:25:41]: Um [1:25:41, 1:25:44]: If you went there, you'll see that the guys were working out there today. [1:25:45, 1:25:48]: Uh, as I went over there to look at another issue dealing with Mr. Sprayberry. [1:25:49, 1:25:49]: Um [1:25:50, 1:25:57]: But yes, they're still out there working on that project. And I think Mr. Aaron says it best is that [1:25:57, 1:26:01]: Many times, including myself the leader of the pack. [1:26:01, 1:26:05]: We like to see the sexy projects or or the pretty things happen. [1:26:06, 1:26:10]: But the infrastructure that they're putting in downtown is key to supporting. [1:26:11, 1:26:17]: and sustaining the things that we want to see long term. So thank God for the infrastructure bill. [1:26:18, 1:26:24]: and the ARPA funds that we've been able to supplement. So we've been basically able to to install and catch up. [1:26:25, 1:26:45]: on 50 and 60 year old infrastructure that was falling completely apart um in that area. So these are things that these are the bones that you don't get to see. But we certainly we don't want to put a new mixed use development on top of uh unsound foundation and pipes that would [1:26:45, 1:27:05]: collapse the project so we want to be solid moving up moving forward so that's kind of where we are there you know understood and thank you i i don't want to belabor the point i think you understand my point it it it's really hard to attract businesses to the downtown this district with what is almost on every street what appears to [1:27:04, 1:27:10]: be a campaign of neglect. These are projects that were started months, if not years ago. [1:27:10, 1:27:13]: And there they are. So I'm gonna move on. [1:27:14, 1:27:34]: um the db um i i don't want to i don't want to i just wanted to leave that where it is because that is those are pictures that were taken today uh understood understood i know but he needs to respond there come on i didn't get no i uh unfortunately so i can't leave that let's let that go i mean [1:27:33, 1:27:53]: I I think everybody needs to understand the complex way of of dealing in a downtown area, especially when you're dealing with easements and properties, right? That holds up. I understand pardon me, sir. I I really didn't intend for this to be But but the way that came across, the way that I'm sorry, I'm gonna move on. I'm going to move on. That's not true. [1:27:55, 1:28:03]: Sir, with all due respect, I'm gonna move on. I'm I don't want to argue with you. I respect you. I really do. And I understand that these things are complicated. [1:28:04, 1:28:13]: But we are where we are today. I wanted to highlight the point that we are where we are today and that is not where we need to be. [1:28:13, 1:28:26]: That's all we we certainly agree on. I'm a business owner. I understand 114 is two doors down from my business. We agree. It's blight. Blight. [1:28:26, 1:28:28]: But can I ask a real qu a quick question? [1:28:28, 1:28:30]: Is is one is one [1:28:31, 1:28:35]: The work that needs to be done on one fifty. Do we ever investigate whether or not [1:28:35, 1:28:37]: We can actually use the facade money. [1:28:38, 1:28:42]: If if it's not gonna be dangerous in terms of putting that improvement [1:28:43, 1:28:44]: In danger. [1:28:44, 1:28:50]: Is it possible for us to fix up those that were in that back if it just needs to be? [1:28:50, 1:29:10]: The roofing and the interior needs to be dealt with. It might be an opportunity for us to put some money in and actually fix up the facade of the building, both the front and the back. And then if we do, as we either have the private sector or us make the improvements to the roof and the interior, at least that portion of it is taken care of. [1:29:10, 1:29:12]: Yeah, it's it's not [1:29:12, 1:29:14]: Something that's that's um [1:29:14, 1:29:19]: impeding the adjacent businesses. Can we can we look at that as an option? [1:29:20, 1:29:23]: One more idea. Yes. [1:29:24, 1:29:32]: May I ask for clarification, um, Mr. Gardner, are you speaking DDA facade money or City of Stockbridge facade money? No, no, DDA facade money. [1:29:32, 1:29:33]: Okay, thank you. [1:29:34, 1:29:35]: Trick. [1:29:35, 1:29:53]: Um sounds like a worthwhile idea to me. It it's a creative idea and I appreciate it. I really do. Um, you know, it's it's a ten thousand, it's up to a ten thousand dollar limit and you know the the DEA would re would re refund 50% of that. So, you know, even if it's just to put [1:29:54, 1:30:01]: You know, a mural over it or something. Can we can we can we investigate? Um Alan, can we investigate that? [1:30:01, 1:30:03]: as an option um [1:30:03, 1:30:08]: And talking to a the structural person if we could make those improvements to the facades. [1:30:08, 1:30:28]: that that we know that the those won't be endangered by any work that's done on the roof uh on the interior. I say, hey, let's let's make it happen because now what we'll have is we'll have a wonderful storefront that's in the process of being renovated interior. So So are are you referring to um now if if if council decides [1:30:28, 1:30:33]: using using the contractor, just work on the facade, just tailoring down that scope a little bit. [1:30:34, 1:30:37]: Yeah, uh yeah, big time. Okay. Okay. [1:30:37, 1:30:41]: Sounds good. And we we can discuss it in more detail tomorrow when we when we meet. It sounds good. [1:30:42, 1:30:43]: All right, team with me to drink work. [1:30:44, 1:31:04]: Thank you all. All right. I I am going to move on. So guys, we're we're a little over time and I'd like to uh go over these the next item. The ne the next item is uh I I am gonna ask for um uh a motion on this. Um the uh the DDA logo. So um thank you, Councilman Alexander. You've allowed for a little bit of movement on being uh so let me [1:31:04, 1:31:24]: Take a few steps back. Um, the DDA officially the the the the name the the name of the DDA was clarified uh by the city council. This was discovered during the uh purchase and sale agreement with Sylvain that there's been inconsistent use of the DDA's name. So in a prior meeting, uh the DDA and City Council agreed to the [1:31:24, 1:31:37]: name of the DDA as such and and there's a a ta or excuse me a trade name called develop uh developing downtown stockbridge. So now that we've officially declared the name. [1:31:37, 1:31:57]: Um we we've recognized, and this kind of ties into the uh marketing and print pieces that we might need to have on hand to attract new developers, you know, we need a logo. And so I've reached out to the firm. Actually, I reached out to them about six months ago. If we could leverage the city's, uh it's the same for [1:31:57, 1:32:05]: Firm that developed the city's logo where community connects. If we could leverage a version of that to sort of [1:32:06, 1:32:26]: um align with the city's logo. We we don't want to duplicate it. We want a clear distinction between the DDA and the city of Stockbridge, but maybe a use of the same colors, similar style guide, and so on. The city did get uh we did get uh permission from uh the Main Street manager to use the uh city's [1:32:26, 1:32:46]: To leverage the city's logo and style guide. So I've reached out to the firm that developed that. The quote that she provided me back in February still stands. So she confirmed that this week. The cost to modify the logo using the city's brand would be 1,700. [1:32:46, 1:32:56]: An additional cost to develop logos for business cards and letterhead would be$1,160. [1:32:56, 1:32:57]: Um [1:32:58, 1:33:18]: I there's also an additional uh quote that she provided for yard signs. I'm not sure that we're we need that at this stage, but that's out there if we wanted to come back to that item. Um I'd really I'm more interested in um moving ahead with developing a logo, business cards, and letterheads. The total of that would be 2,000. [1:33:17, 1:33:37]: And it's the same firm that developed the logo uh for the city. So I'd like to make a motion to uh for the board to approve$2,900 uh develop a logo for the DDA. And I I will also add, it's not part of the motion, that the city has requested that they review the [1:33:37, 1:33:57]: draft logo before it becomes you know official. And we will of course do that. We'll present it to the city and make sure everyone's in agreement and then we'll bring it to the board prop hopefully by the next meeting so that we can, you know, uh certify our new logo. So motion to approve$2,900 for a new logo. [1:34:00, 1:34:01]: Uh so moved? [1:34:02, 1:34:03]: Thank you, Bond. [1:34:04, 1:34:07]: That's uh that's a second. Any other comments or discussion on that? [1:34:09, 1:34:10]: Or questions? [1:34:11, 1:34:13]: I have one question. [1:34:13, 1:34:16]: Of course. Yeah Chair Teston. Yes, ma'am. [1:34:17, 1:34:30]: For the record of the company is rhyme or reason, just so that we can put that into the record. It's rhyme or reason. Okay. Rhyme and reason. I thought it was rhyme and reason, but rhyme and reason. That is correct. Rhyme and reason. [1:34:30, 1:34:31]: Thank you. [1:34:31, 1:34:40]: Thank you, Vanessa. I'm sorry, go ahead, uh Fran. No worries, no worries. That was actually great. Um, that was part of my question. Um, the other part of that question was um. [1:34:42, 1:34:52]: Use of the um the cities, I just want to make sure I got it clear. We're not necessarily duplicating the city's logo, but just, you know, that is kind of the blueprint, right? Or the outline. [1:34:52, 1:35:02]: of our logo. Um letterhead and business cards. Will this be um accessible for all board members or just um who have [1:35:02, 1:35:09]: The and great question. And let me clarify, this is just to design the the the the [1:35:09, 1:35:15]: design the images that you would have that you would put on letterhead or [1:35:15, 1:35:27]: a business card. It does not include printing of those items. That would be, you know, a later expense once we design or once we capture develop crit uh business cards. It's just for the design. [1:35:27, 1:35:28]: Okay, thank you. [1:35:29, 1:35:31]: Thank you. Any other questions? [1:35:32, 1:35:38]: All right, um by show of hands we'll um vote to approve the um logo expense of twenty nine hundred dollars. [1:35:40, 1:35:53]: All those in favor, please. Yeah, I'm gonna abstain from this vote. Um, let you guys decide what's gonna happen with that. All right. Um, so we have three votes in favor of those present. Um [1:35:54, 1:36:09]: Vanessa, I'll we'll note it as such. I'm not sure if we need four active members or not, but uh we'll we'll we'll leave it as such. So thank you, Councilman. Um and um we'll move on. I'll move on to the next item. [1:36:10, 1:36:16]: Um I spoke to the uh Georgia Tech Market Study uh that was on the agenda. So we're on track for completing that at the end of the month. [1:36:17, 1:36:37]: And um two more items on the agenda, the um downtown strategic work plan. Um it's been stalled a little bit the last few months. I haven't had much of an update for this meeting, but we did meet this week. Um, the committee leads, um, and we prioritized the short-term efforts from last year. [1:36:36, 1:36:56]: Years June meeting. And those are, and we've talked about a few of these points today, the downtown development plan. So that's the master plan we were talking about, but we kind of want to title that a little bit differently so we don't cause confusion with the RSVP. So we'll we'll begin referring to it as the downtown development plan. [1:36:56, 1:37:16]: I also want, and Alan, you mentioned the citywide economic development plan. So that's we've identified that as a high priority because a lot of the other work that's done by the committees falls under that plan or is is guided by that plan. The quieting of the railroad cross. [1:37:16, 1:37:25]: Crossing, connectivity between the walking or connectivity between the amphitheater, Clark Park, and the Cultural Arts Center. [1:37:26, 1:37:41]: And um 114 MLK, the Alleyway project, and the East Atlanta Road widening. So those are the seven items that were identified as the uh short-term um oh and I should mention also the with the tourism committee, the uh MLK. [1:37:42, 1:38:02]: um memorial statue or art project. And to that point, we do we have identified a short list of possible selection sites for the MLK Senior Memorial. We are working through that to get a shorter list to [1:38:02, 1:38:20]: To present to the council. We're looking to maybe present two or three options as selected by the committee. Also related to that, Kira and Lisa put me in, Lisa specifically put us in contact with a [1:38:21, 1:38:41]: uh a lady that was working with the city of Richmond who developed uh the um uh I believe her name was uh the uh I should say a a statue memorial similar project in Richmond, Virginia. And uh so she may serve as a consultant to help us through this process. So more information [1:38:41, 1:39:01]: Information on that later, once we get a quote and those kinds of things. But I just wanted to share an update as far as where we are, as far as our short-term priorities and what we're working on in terms of the tourism committee, which I'm leading. Any questions or comments on the downtown strategic work plan committees? [1:39:01, 1:39:21]: All right. And the last item I have in Mr. Peterson, um, I don't know if there are normal, Mr. Gardner, I don't know if there's an update on this, but we had um there was a uh committee to draft the intergovernmental agreement with the city. That um is is has has that been approved by the city council, the standing agreement between [1:39:21, 1:39:26]: between uh the two entities. I don't know. I don't I don't know remember seeing that if there was an update on that. [1:39:28, 1:39:28]: No. [1:39:29, 1:39:30]: Not doing all. [1:39:30, 1:39:50]: Okay. Um Mr. Peterson, do you do you know if there's any update on that? And this this is the uh standing agreement between the DDA and the city of Stockbridge to just clarify who's expected to do what um as far as the basic uh roles and responsibilities. The DDA drafted and we turned it over to the city. [1:39:50, 1:39:52]: and their attorneys to review. [1:39:53, 1:39:55]: Oh, I I haven't heard anything back yet. [1:39:55, 1:39:57]: From the city's attorneys. [1:39:57, 1:40:06]: All right. So my understanding it was gonna go up to the city's council's agenda in the last June meeting, the work session meeting. Did that did it not make it to that agenda? [1:40:09, 1:40:29]: I think the clerk's office has not received it from the attorney. I I can tell you that, Roger. All right. Thank you. That's that's a good update. All right. Well, I'll I'll send an email to follow up on that so we can hopefully get that uh solidified uh because I think it's important that we have a standing agreement. I mean, there hasn't been a dispute, thankfully, between the two entities, but I think it's important to have that because. [1:40:29, 1:40:30]: Between us. [1:40:30, 1:40:39]: All right, that are those are all the items on the agenda. Is there anything else that uh we want to cover before we uh motion to adjourn the meeting? [1:40:39, 1:40:43]: I did uh if I could uh bring up a point of [1:40:44, 1:40:45]: Um [1:40:45, 1:40:48]: So Bob and I I think Bob chimed in as well about [1:40:48, 1:40:51]: Uh you know, marketing for the downtown is [1:40:52, 1:40:55]: We're using a RSVP plan for the downtown. [1:40:55, 1:40:59]: And referring to it as the downtown renaissance, which is [1:40:59, 1:41:01]: Basically what we're doing. [1:41:01, 1:41:01]: Um [1:41:02, 1:41:04]: I think it's a catchy phrase. [1:41:04, 1:41:17]: And what it does is it captures everything that we're trying to do, which is we're trying to redevelop downtown and you say it in two words without saying the downtown development authority, this, that, or the other. So [1:41:17, 1:41:26]: I think it would it might be even something that we could put on our business card or whatever, you know, in terms of what the marketing about what we're doing. So [1:41:27, 1:41:38]: I just want uh real quickly for folks to chime in and see what they think about, you know, when somebody asks you about what's going on in downtown, well, let me tell you about the downtown renaissance in Stockbridge. [1:41:42, 1:41:45]: Right. Thoughts on that? Anyone comments or [1:41:45, 1:41:58]: Uh w would this be would this be in a in a I I realize this would be kind of a trade name uh or a marketing name uh uh would this be in addition to developing downtown Stockbridge or [1:41:58, 1:41:59]: Uh [1:42:00, 1:42:04]: Uh you know, should we choose between one or the other, I guess, is what I'm asking. [1:42:05, 1:42:07]: I w again I think it would [1:42:07, 1:42:10]: To me, I think it just is it's it's simplistic. I think [1:42:11, 1:42:15]: Uh is a short basically you could probably have both of them. It's just a shorter version. [1:42:16, 1:42:16]: Which is [1:42:17, 1:42:20]: It's straight to the point. You know, that that elevator speech is [1:42:20, 1:42:26]: We're talking what are we talking about? We're talking about the downtown renaissance. It fits perfectly in that. [1:42:26, 1:42:28]: It's based on the strategic [1:42:28, 1:42:30]: RSVP, right? [1:42:30, 1:42:32]: The Renaissance strategic visioning plan. [1:42:32, 1:42:34]: The downtown renaissance. [1:42:35, 1:42:39]: So uh explain to me uh uh is that is that [1:42:39, 1:42:43]: Is that the slogan or is that just the title of the [1:42:43, 1:42:50]: Uh the the strategic that's just is that the title of something or what is that? I'm sorry, what exactly is that supposed to be? [1:42:50, 1:42:52]: The the the statement the um [1:42:53, 1:42:56]: Mr. T when you say when you w uh say that again, while [1:42:57, 1:43:07]: The two the what's the other the the other option which is the other the other the other the other uh the other concept we've been we've been is is talking uh developing downtown stockbridge. [1:43:08, 1:43:19]: And I think I think we agreed that developing downtown Stockbridge would be kind of our not our official legal name of our entity, but uh of uh uh [1:43:20, 1:43:40]: our our marketing name, if you will, or our trade name, so to speak. Right, right. That's a separate thing. I just wanted to make sure we're talking about that's the that's in terms of how we refer to the group. But the actions that we're taking right is the downtown renaissance. Right. And and I I think it's a beautiful phrase and I I'm I yeah yeah I definitely [1:43:40, 1:43:42]: Well, I think we should use it. [1:43:42, 1:43:46]: Yeah, so I think we could use both of'em. What do you think, Miss Mayor? [1:43:47, 1:43:54]: I agree. I think it's really catchy and I love it as an elevator speech when I, you know, when I talk about it for sure. So yeah. [1:43:54, 1:43:55]: I'm good with it. [1:43:57, 1:43:57]: Mm. [1:43:58, 1:43:59]: Mr. Custin, what do you think? [1:43:59, 1:44:19]: I I'm fine and call me Roger, please. Um the my own my only slight concern was, you know, I'd like to just see how that comes together because I don't want to create confusion between the trade name, as Bob was mentioning, developing downtown Stockbridge versus the, and I understand your point, sir. You know, this is the uh [1:44:19, 1:44:21]: Um uh the [1:44:22, 1:44:38]: Downtown Renaissance is more more of the the marketing effort that's being made right now. And so the the the the renaissance would refers to the action versus developing downtown stock bridge refers to us, the board. Right, right. [1:44:38, 1:44:47]: Yeah, so long as we don't create confusion and we can put that together in a format that, you know, makes sense and is easily digestible, um, I'm you know, I'm fine with it. You know. [1:44:48, 1:44:51]: That's great. I appreciate it. Thanks. That's all I have. [1:44:52, 1:44:54]: All right. Anything else, anyone? [1:44:58, 1:45:02]: I really do appreciate everyone's time and support for the meeting. So I'll go ahead and make a motion to adjourn the meeting. [1:45:03, 1:45:19]: I all right. I think I heard it from Frank first. All those in favor, please uh raise your hand. All right, that calls us. So we'll adjourn the meeting at it at 748. Thank you, everyone. Have a great evening. Good night. Great well. Thank you. Good night, everybody. Good night. Good night.