2022-09-20 · City Council · Transcript · Downtown Development Authority

--- title: Downtown Development Authority date: 2022-09-20 source: 2022-09-20_Downtown_Development_Authority.wav --- [0:00:02, 0:00:14]: All right. Hello everyone. This is the uh Downtown Development Authority meeting for September the twentieth. And uh we will start off with a roll call. Uh Mr. Bog, would you mind calling roll? [0:00:21, 0:00:24]: And Bob, I'm not hearing you, but I do see your arm. [0:00:38, 0:00:40]: And I'm not sharing Bob um [0:00:42, 0:00:48]: I'll go ahead and call roll. Um, so um councilman Alexander. [0:00:49, 0:00:50]: R present. [0:00:51, 0:00:53]: All right, Roger Custon, I'm here. [0:00:54, 0:00:55]: Uh Frangela Merit. [0:00:55, 0:00:57]: Angela Mary is present. [0:00:57, 0:01:02]: Thank you. Barber Richardson indicated she would be absent. [0:01:07, 0:01:10]: All right, um, Maxwell Sears. [0:01:14, 0:01:15]: Not yet arrived. [0:01:17, 0:01:30]: And Bob's wife is so um Bob, I don't hear you. I I need uh maybe if you're able to hear us, maybe you can indicate your acknowledgement in the chat uh to say you're here. [0:01:30, 0:01:33]: Uh, we'll need a quorum to proceed with the meeting. [0:01:34, 0:01:35]: And um [0:01:36, 0:01:50]: While Bob is responding, I'll um I'll also acknowledge that we have um uh guest participants, uh Emily Smith and Alan Durham from the Georgia Tech Innovation Institute. Thank you for being here. And we also have uh [0:01:50, 0:01:56]: Uh as always, uh Vanessa Holliday, uh our city clerk. So thank you all for participating. [0:01:57, 0:01:58]: Go ahead. [0:02:02, 0:02:03]: All right. [0:02:03, 0:02:10]: Um let me s okay, he's trying to come back in, it looks like Roger. Yeah, I see that. We'll give him a moment. Thank you all. [0:02:13, 0:02:16]: Bob, if you hear us, we see you've joined again. [0:02:17, 0:02:19]: Yeah, can you all hear me? [0:02:20, 0:02:22]: I hear you a little distant. Go ahead, Bob. [0:02:23, 0:02:36]: Okay. Yeah, I'm I'm here. I've I've been I've had some computer problems here. So I I can see y'all. Um that's I've been frantically trying to get to get back in for the last few minutes. So I apologize for the delay, but yeah, I've been trying to get in. [0:02:37, 0:02:40]: No worries. Thank you for I can I can hear y'all. [0:02:40, 0:02:50]: And we hear you now much clearer, so thank you. So we'll go ahead um and mark you as present. And uh also we are have been joined by Kira Harris Braggs. [0:02:51, 0:02:53]: And I think that's everyone who's on [0:02:54, 0:03:04]: If I missed anybody, please let me know. So I think that uh constant uh there are four members present, so we that constitutes a quorum. So we're able to uh start the meeting at 6.07 p.m. [0:03:05, 0:03:08]: Oh Bob, I've got your camera as well now. So thanks. [0:03:09, 0:03:29]: Um, so as most of you know, we need to start off the order a little bit differently this time to um ask for um the board's approval for the virtual meeting resolution. I shared that with you all earlier this week. It is a draft resolution prepared by our attorney that um draws on the um [0:03:29, 0:03:49]: The federal um executive order of um of a health emergency uh enabling government entities to um utilize that to um allow for virtual meetings. Once this resolution is passed, it's it it stays. [0:03:49, 0:04:09]: Um persistent, even though even if the executive order is rescinded or or expires, this order, this resolution could stay persistent as long as this board wishes to maintain it. [0:04:09, 0:04:10]: I like to make a um [0:04:11, 0:04:20]: Uh a motion to approve the uh virtual meeting uh resolution as presented by our attorney shared with this uh team earlier uh this week. [0:04:22, 0:04:23]: Uh second. [0:04:25, 0:04:26]: Thank you, Bon. [0:04:27, 0:04:29]: Any discussion or questions about the resolution? [0:04:34, 0:04:41]: Let me go ahead and bring it up. I've got it now. And um I will while I'm bringing that up, I'll also add that um [0:04:41, 0:04:42]: They're [0:04:42, 0:04:49]: Is a requirement which we've included in today's agenda that the um [0:04:50, 0:05:10]: That there would be a legend added to the public meeting notice. And as you can see, this is where the um the authority for the declaration is based on a federal declaration. And um, you know, COVID remains a health concern and so forth. It also there's an acknowledgement here that the DDA had. [0:05:10, 0:05:30]: Um and as we have and noted in our meeting minutes, as this discussion has been ongoing, we've had regular um discussion points and undocumented our meeting minutes that we it is our intent to continue in a virtual format until we decide otherwise. And that's acknowledged here in this last uh pair. [0:05:30, 0:05:30]: Paragraph. [0:05:31, 0:05:35]: So any other um questions or discussions on this point? [0:05:40, 0:05:49]: All right, hearing none, so I will um we'll go ahead and take that to vote. So all those who are in favor of um approving the resolution as stated, please raise your hand. [0:05:51, 0:06:00]: All right, and I see Fran, Bob, um, Elton and myself. I think that passes unanimously with those present. So thank you all. Appreciate you doing that. [0:06:01, 0:06:14]: Let me get rid of that and move to the next item. So we'll move to our regular items to the approve today's agenda. Um, so I'd like to hear a motion to approve today's agenda as shared. [0:06:14, 0:06:17]: Uh earlier this week, along with the attachment items. [0:06:18, 0:06:20]: I motion to approve today's agenda. [0:06:21, 0:06:22]: Thank you, Fran. [0:06:22, 0:06:23]: Second. [0:06:24, 0:06:26]: Thank you, Councilman. Any discussion? [0:06:28, 0:06:31]: Those in favor, please raise your hand to approve today's agenda. [0:06:32, 0:06:46]: All right, that's also unanimous. Thank you. And then uh finally we'll approve the uh August 16th meeting minutes, which I regret. I apologize for sharing that with you so late. It was only shared about an hour ago today. [0:06:46, 0:07:01]: I didn't realize it was not forwarded to you. So I I I I apologize for that. But uh hopefully you've had a chance to review that. If you would like to pause on this item and you know, maybe approve it in their next meeting, no foul with that. Um, you know, I like to give these things to you at least with some. [0:07:02, 0:07:13]: advanced notice you had chance to review it and you know this is not just a rubber stamp thing but um if we're if we're ready to approve to uh the meeting minutes from the August meeting um [0:07:13, 0:07:15]: Well, this would be a bit hard. [0:07:17, 0:07:22]: So Roger, I just want to say I'm I'm not quite ready. Um, I didn't get a chance to review them. [0:07:22, 0:07:23]: All right. [0:07:23, 0:07:32]: Um, well with that, let's go ahead and table that item for our next meeting and um we'll we'll come back to that. So appreciate that. Thank you. [0:07:32, 0:07:49]: Um that brings us to the next item on the agenda, which is our guest speakers from uh Alan and uh Alan Durham and Emily Smith with from the Center for Economic Development Research Enterprise Innovation Institute with the Georgia Tech. Did I say all that right? You did, you're hired. [0:07:49, 0:08:09]: All right. So we'll we'll turn it over to you, but um I imagine you might want to share your screen and or if you want me to share the uh the proposal of the market study, either what would you prefer to do? Uh tell you what, why don't you share the screen um so that I can scroll through the report on my end without making you guys dizzy? [0:08:09, 0:08:11]: Okay. [0:08:11, 0:08:14]: Give me a moment and I will get that going. [0:08:20, 0:08:24]: All right, sure. Has has everyone had a chance to look over the report? [0:08:28, 0:08:30]: Yeah. I see you. [0:08:31, 0:08:32]: I hear you. [0:08:33, 0:08:39]: Oh, I'm I'm talking all on um while I'm mute. Yes, I was able to review it. Okay, great. [0:08:39, 0:08:43]: And um Alan, you just go ahead and guide me if you want me to start on a particular page. [0:08:45, 0:08:47]: Okay. Um actually the uh [0:08:48, 0:08:52]: Yeah, go ahead and get to the the recommendations page. [0:08:53, 0:08:58]: Um it's the conclusion or the over or overview. [0:08:58, 0:09:00]: So it's [0:09:00, 0:09:02]: All right, let me let me find it. Hang on. [0:09:03, 0:09:11]: So it's kind of the key takeaways at the beginning and then there's a conclusion towards the end. Yeah, let's do the key takeaways. All right. [0:09:11, 0:09:12]: Um this [0:09:13, 0:09:14]: Is kind of your [0:09:14, 0:09:15]: Um [0:09:16, 0:09:18]: Your short term work plan. [0:09:18, 0:09:21]: And what you should and should not be doing concerning [0:09:22, 0:09:26]: retail in the downtown and housing in the downtown area. [0:09:26, 0:09:34]: Um, I I'm not gonna go through and read all this stuff to you, but I will point out uh a couple of things here. [0:09:35, 0:09:44]: We were initially asked to look at um a limited number of housing units and a retail component for mixed use redevelopment of downtown. [0:09:44, 0:09:52]: And when we started pulling the numbers, I realized that we couldn't look at that area in isolation from the rest of Stockbridge. [0:09:53, 0:09:56]: And we also couldn't just look at Stockbridge without looking at all of Henry County. [0:09:57, 0:10:02]: Uh so what started off as something relatively small grew to sixty pages. [0:10:03, 0:10:13]: So you you have a lot of data here, but the key takeaways really summarizes, I think, what you need to take into consideration. And let me say this. [0:10:14, 0:10:19]: was absolutely stunned that your retail vacancy rate is so low. [0:10:20, 0:10:23]: One point seven percent after ковід. [0:10:24, 0:10:27]: I I don't know what you guys have done, but you've done something right. [0:10:28, 0:10:29]: Um [0:10:30, 0:10:38]: And as you get further into the report, especially the uh retail leakage analysis, you'll see that uh [0:10:39, 0:10:53]: Not only are you completely meeting the needs of your local residents for a wide variety of goods and services, but you're also attracting people from all over the region to come shopping. [0:10:53, 0:10:57]: Which is fantastic because that means you're getting all of their sales tax revenue. [0:10:58, 0:10:59]: Cha Change. [0:11:00, 0:11:12]: Uh so all I can can really say there is you know keep keep up the good work uh with your highway corridors. Uh they look fantastic, you know, the the landscaping, the sidewalks, the street lighting. [0:11:12, 0:11:19]: Uh, you know, your your code enforcement does a good job keeping track of, you know, repaving in [0:11:19, 0:11:30]: uh parking issues, uh signage. You know, there's always room for improvement, but I I think you guys are are doing a really great job. And that 1.7% vacancy rate really shows that. [0:11:31, 0:11:33]: So uh [0:11:34, 0:11:38]: On this page for the retail highlights, do you have any questions for me? [0:11:43, 0:11:56]: And um I highlighted a few things that just struck at me. So and it just so happens this is the copy I'm sharing. So um forgive that. Um, but you know, I I I was first taken aback that, you know, I noticed that this is, you know. [0:11:57, 0:12:17]: Exceeding, you know, insufficient supply, you know, current demand for motor vehicle parts and dealers, electronics, and appliance stores. Then I realized that this is Stockbridge citywide. And then historic downtown is uh would uh the market would support specialty foods, jewelry. [0:12:17, 0:12:36]: luggage and leather goods basically a lot of the specialty items and then takeaway further in the report I saw was uh drinking places breweries and that type of thing especially as compared to McDonough which is you know where there's actually leakage towards uh that city so I found that very um uh compelling to uh hear that [0:12:37, 0:12:43]: Yeah, so uh as it stands right now, everyone who lives in Stockbridge has to leave Stockbridge to buy a car. [0:12:43, 0:13:03]: Um that's not something that you can fix because the market in your region is already saturated with automobile dealers. Um, so that that shouldn't be a focus and certainly doesn't belong in your downtown area. Right. Um along your highway corridors uh and around the exit, you have [0:13:03, 0:13:07]: have a lot of national chain retailers and restaurants. [0:13:08, 0:13:16]: Um, that's not necessarily a good thing for small businesses. So this list of recommendations that you highlighted. [0:13:16, 0:13:19]: Um I I would encourage you [0:13:20, 0:13:21]: To [0:13:21, 0:13:25]: Focus your downtown retail on mom and pop. [0:13:25, 0:13:29]: local, you know, art galleries, experiential retail. [0:13:29, 0:13:32]: Um i is a growing trend. You know, millennials. [0:13:33, 0:13:46]: And Generation Z don't necessarily like to spend money on things. They like to pay for experiences. Uh, we just worked with another community who has a brand new axe throwing venue. [0:13:47, 0:13:51]: in their downtown and people come to relieve stress and you know throw axes at a target. [0:13:52, 0:13:56]: That's experiential retail that uh I think would work great in a downtown. [0:13:58, 0:14:05]: Very good. Um I'm glad you highlighted that. All right. Uh shall I move on to the next housing highlights? All right. Yep. [0:14:06, 0:14:08]: So again, initially [0:14:09, 0:14:12]: We started looking at a a small [0:14:13, 0:14:20]: uh residential development of about twenty units, then uh when with your LCI consultant. [0:14:20, 0:14:24]: Said wait a minute, we're thinking 200 units. That kind of changed our scope quite a bit. [0:14:25, 0:14:39]: Um but the good news is that given your population increases that are going to be happening, yeah. ARC just found that Henry County was the second fo fastest growing county in Metro Atlanta. [0:14:40, 0:14:41]: Um, so people are moving. [0:14:42, 0:14:44]: to your area and you have [0:14:45, 0:14:48]: I I don't think you're ever gonna be able to meet that housing demand. [0:14:49, 0:14:52]: So the more units that you can get in your downtown. [0:14:52, 0:14:58]: Especially focusing on stuff that you don't already have. You have a lot of single family attached homes. [0:14:59, 0:15:13]: But in your downtown, if you do townhomes, stack condominium units, you know, lifestyle residential and even apartments, which I I I would prefer you steer away from. You're getting saturated with apartments. [0:15:14, 0:15:14]: Um [0:15:15, 0:15:18]: You know, think of splitting up your price points. [0:15:19, 0:15:23]: um in your housing types, in your downtown and push for density. [0:15:25, 0:15:26]: And I'll see you have [0:15:27, 0:15:29]: Uh highlighted new apartments. [0:15:30, 0:15:40]: or leasing between twelve fifty and seventeen fifty per month. So that's the new development that you guys have at the intersection of uh I seventy five. [0:15:40, 0:15:42]: Right. Mm-hmm. [0:15:43, 0:15:49]: So I I I think those are fair and I pulled some data. [0:15:49, 0:15:56]: Later on in the report, so the you can see how we arrived at those numbers based on your average household incomes. [0:15:56, 0:15:57]: In the area. [0:15:58, 0:16:01]: So did you have a a question about those rents? [0:16:01, 0:16:05]: No, I was just highlighting it as a point of interest. [0:16:05, 0:16:23]: I think that'll help us when we start looking at the the, you know, when we because all of this was really to serve as input for a detailed master plan for development for the downtown uh district. Correct. I think that informs the type and scale. [0:16:23, 0:16:28]: um and density of development that we that the that that our market could support. [0:16:29, 0:16:29]: Correct. [0:16:29, 0:16:31]: I I do have um [0:16:31, 0:16:48]: sort of a comment like a hybrid comment question type of deal, right? So um recently um I I participated or attended the downtown development conference for training and it was great by the way. Thank you for sure Stockbridge for that. Um but of course I I definitely got a lot of [0:16:49, 0:16:51]: Great information and it definitely um [0:16:52, 0:17:03]: uh gave me and very insightful. I had some great ideas. This particular report, I believe, is is is amazing. I think this is great work, definitely insightful. [0:17:03, 0:17:06]: And I'm really excited to that we're having this discussion now. So [0:17:07, 0:17:13]: You know, the the number one thing that I was thinking about downtown for sure, we have this beautiful amphitheater, right? [0:17:13, 0:17:21]: Um, it's it is popular, but not everyone is then not everyone is coming still, right? Uh maybe because of the distance, maybe because of [0:17:22, 0:17:42]: You know, whatever the whatever it may be. But the number one thing that I've noticed that I think is a problem area is the spending, right? So you have people, I have friends that live in Sandy Springs, drove all the way to Stockbridge to come see um, you know, a performer. But they drive through, they get on, they get on 675 or 75, get off the exit. [0:17:42, 0:17:58]: exit, go straight to downtown, go to the amphitheater and then leave and don't spend any money as well leaving, right? And I yeah, your your downtown redevelopment definitely needs to capture that crowd and capture spending, but you have to build a unique destination and an experience for them. [0:17:58, 0:18:02]: And that includes, you know, walkable, high density. [0:18:03, 0:18:20]: uh you know storefronts that stay open later at night when the concerts are going on. Um, you know, maybe there's a a painting and wine class available for people after the concert. Uh when you introduce restaurants, you need wide enough sidewalks so that you can have dining outside. [0:18:21, 0:18:24]: Um you have to create a place. [0:18:25, 0:18:26]: Cause right now [0:18:27, 0:18:37]: People might go shopping in Stockbridge, but they drive through Stockbridge. They don't drive to Stockbridge. Right. Your downtown needs to be the destination that will draw people from Sandy Springs. [0:18:37, 0:18:49]: So thank you for that. Let me ask you this question. I know we're speaking of residential, you know, residential um uh property or units, um uh uh in you know and rents and everything else, but what are your thoughts about [0:18:49, 0:18:53]: Um, maybe a a hotel on a smaller scale, right? [0:18:53, 0:19:12]: maybe a 60 20 to 60 room hotel downtown. I don't want to I think um if you left a pad available for that in the future in your downtown that might be possible but you need to build your downtown first and you need to prove that it's a draw. [0:19:13, 0:19:30]: And you need to illustrate to whatever flag that hotel becomes, that there's demand for it. I mean, the amphitheater is certainly a demand driver, but you know, you you have to have a remarkable downtown in order to attract any kind of hotel like that there. So that that's further down the road. [0:19:31, 0:19:33]: But I do think if if you do the project correctly. [0:19:34, 0:19:38]: And create a destination, I I think it could support it in the future. [0:19:38, 0:19:40]: Absolutely. Thank you. [0:19:40, 0:19:43]: Mm-hmm. I will um I will also mention to your point about [0:19:44, 0:19:46]: You know, people are just leaving. They're not um [0:19:47, 0:19:58]: not staying downtown after the concert from our visit to Stockbridge and from our master plan meeting. Um that open green space right there I think is really crucial in connecting. [0:19:59, 0:20:03]: uh the downtown to the amphitheater and thinking about ways that you could [0:20:03, 0:20:05]: You know, make that more of a [0:20:05, 0:20:10]: connection to the downtown and entice people to walk over there because right now it's kind of [0:20:11, 0:20:25]: No man's land, you know. It's there, but it's not utilized. It's dead space, not green space. Right. Right. Right. And I think that's what the master plan will help us um, you know, sort of visualize how how that could take shape. Uh Kira, I see your hand up. [0:20:27, 0:20:44]: Um yes, there were two comments. Um one was in reference to um housing and the um what are your recommendations with regard to uh workforce housing, affordable type housing um in the downtown district. [0:20:45, 0:20:55]: And then um also with regard to that um the green space across from this um city hall building, um we want to be careful that we don't [0:20:56, 0:21:01]: Block the sightlines from the city hall and amphitheater complex. [0:21:02, 0:21:06]: the sight lines to the downtown. So what are your recommendations with regard to that as well? [0:21:07, 0:21:27]: My personal recommendations, but again, this is going to be addressed in your LCI update in your downtown development plan. I think you can build on a portion of that site and have uh, you know, three to five story residential or mixed use, but still maintain a large amount of that green space. Having residential. [0:21:27, 0:21:31]: units right on top of that green space will ensure that it's used. [0:21:31, 0:21:51]: You'll have people leaving those residential units and going out on that green space, which is what you want because it's not being utilized right now. In terms of affordable housing, I would urge caution with that. Um, I think if you look at the statistics throughout the rest of the report, you have affordable housing. You have a lot of the most affordable housing. [0:21:51, 0:21:56]: housing in Henry County and in uh the Metro Atlanta region. [0:21:57, 0:22:05]: I don't think that you need more affordable housing. I think for your downtown area, you need to push the higher end market that is not tested. [0:22:05, 0:22:07]: In your area yet? [0:22:07, 0:22:11]: Um because when you get into workforce housing. [0:22:11, 0:22:14]: you run into a problem with disposable household income. [0:22:15, 0:22:22]: Um, they're not gonna have money to spend eating at the restaurants and shopping in the shops. [0:22:22, 0:22:30]: And I think there's plenty of affordable options all throughout Stockbridge. I I think you need to err on the side of the higher end. [0:22:34, 0:22:35]: Okay, thank you. [0:22:35, 0:22:36]: Okay. [0:22:37, 0:22:44]: All right. Thank you all. Good feedback. Um, all right, Alan or Elmerly, where where would you like me to move to next? [0:22:44, 0:22:55]: Well oh excuse me, I'll not sorry go ahead, Councilman. And understanding that uh I I agree that uh [0:22:55, 0:22:57]: We need to make sure that we have. [0:22:58, 0:22:58]: People. [0:22:59, 0:23:02]: living in downtown that can support [0:23:02, 0:23:04]: uh the efforts of what we're doing. [0:23:04, 0:23:07]: And certainly the LCI was right on point with uh [0:23:07, 0:23:12]: Indicating that that area uh needed to have some type of housing on it. [0:23:12, 0:23:14]: And then I think um [0:23:14, 0:23:34]: uh be we just have to be flexible as you said in terms of uh not all single family housing and I know to some the price increases in Stockbridge has severely impacted affordable housing, but the housing here in Stockbridge is as affordable as anywhere. [0:23:34, 0:23:39]: Uh in Metro Land, but it may not seem that to residents who've been here long term. [0:23:40, 0:24:00]: But in terms of the cost of the single family. But in terms of the townhomes being placed in downtown, of course, some rental units being able to be placed as well to meet in that same price threshold that we indicated on the appointment. [0:24:00, 0:24:08]: Apartments, uh, maybe not on the grand scale, but certainly on a scale that would uh allow because uh uh you know, I think in that same. [0:24:08, 0:24:09]: Study realm is that you [0:24:10, 0:24:11]: Young people may not want to buy a home. [0:24:12, 0:24:13]: They might want to rent. [0:24:13, 0:24:15]: So there certainly needs to be something [0:24:16, 0:24:19]: Very nice, high quality, as you say. [0:24:19, 0:24:21]: for college graduates and young professionals. [0:24:21, 0:24:23]: We want to call the area home. [0:24:23, 0:24:25]: Yeah, what what I don't want [0:24:25, 0:24:45]: To see happen in your downtown is to have one developer come in and plop down a 200 unit apartment building at all the same price points. You need to offer a wide variety of ownership, rental, townhomes, stack condominiums. Uh, when you get further away from downtown, you can transition. [0:24:45, 0:24:54]: Uh, you know, to townhomes and clustered single-family lots. That'll be worked out with your LCI update and your downtown master plan. [0:24:55, 0:25:01]: But you don't need just one product at one price point. You need a wide variety of options to include everyone. [0:25:03, 0:25:06]: So we need mixed income. Mixed income. Mm-hmm. [0:25:07, 0:25:10]: I I noticed stocks were on the report that um [0:25:11, 0:25:31]: Uh there was a a statement, I don't remember where it was, I don't know if I could get into it very quickly, but um that the pro that the that the majority of the um housing in Stockbridge has shifted from majority owned to majority rental. Yes. And to me that seemed unsurprising because it [0:25:31, 0:25:34]: And I guess my question to you all would have been. [0:25:34, 0:25:43]: Is isn't is that different from the overall trend in Georgia or the overall trend in the US? I I it seems to me that's just a post-COVID reality. [0:25:44, 0:25:54]: Um I I think for Stockbridge in particular, um neighborhoods and housing has a natural life cycle that it goes through. [0:25:54, 0:26:04]: So if if you have ranch houses that were built in the 70s or 60s, uh maybe the person or family who who lived there has passed away. [0:26:05, 0:26:07]: Um and the family still owns it, but they rent it out. [0:26:08, 0:26:13]: Um, the the older the housing stock, the more likely it is to become rental. [0:26:14, 0:26:19]: And I think just, you know, the your your aging housing stock in Stockbridge, that's a natural consequence of it. [0:26:21, 0:26:25]: Yeah, in and and in regards to that subject, okay, I think [0:26:25, 0:26:27]: As a realtor myself. [0:26:27, 0:26:31]: What we've seen, and I think the metro Atlanta area has seen is [0:26:31, 0:26:33]: Uh investors swooping in. [0:26:33, 0:26:36]: Uh buying up every available property. [0:26:37, 0:26:39]: that's out there. That's what's really driving [0:26:40, 0:26:43]: Uh that rental charge. Henry Counter was one of those at the top of the chart, but [0:26:44, 0:26:46]: Every house that goes on the market. [0:26:46, 0:26:46]: How do you think [0:26:47, 0:26:48]: That's offer on from [0:26:48, 0:26:52]: the investors to buy it and then they turn it turn around and turn into a rental. [0:26:53, 0:26:55]: Yeah. That's a nationwide. [0:26:55, 0:26:59]: problem that's happening right now. I I read a r a report [0:27:00, 0:27:04]: Earlier in the week that says something like eighty percent of the rental units [0:27:05, 0:27:15]: uh in New York City have been bought up by corporations. So you don't have mom and pop property owners anymore. You know, BlackRock is one of the biggest residential investors. [0:27:16, 0:27:21]: And it's really hurting the ability of younger generations to enter into the housing market. [0:27:23, 0:27:24]: Yeah. So [0:27:25, 0:27:25]: Um I [0:27:27, 0:27:30]: I I don't know that anyone could really solve that problem. [0:27:30, 0:27:31]: Right. [0:27:31, 0:27:51]: So so it's I guess it sounds like it's from from from what we're discussing here, it sounds like it's it's both. There's both a sort of a national trend towards um a higher proportion of rental just because of some of the factors we discussed. I mean, is you know, post-recession, uh post-COVID, the investors buying up the the available [0:27:51, 0:28:03]: properties, but it sounds like there's an added factor in Stockbridge because the housing inventory is of an older nature lending itself to a higher proportion towards those forces. [0:28:03, 0:28:09]: Correct. Okay. That makes sense. And and I think uh for the city of Stockbridge. [0:28:10, 0:28:11]: You can [0:28:12, 0:28:16]: to um the tax assessors data for Henry County and find out. [0:28:17, 0:28:25]: Uh, who the owners are that are purchasing these. And I would stick code enforcement on these corporate-owned properties. [0:28:25, 0:28:45]: To make sure the grass does not get one inch tall, you know, to to make sure that they're habitable inside and out, that they meet code. I would stay on top of them more than I would, you know, uh an 86-year-old woman who lives in the same house that she bought in 1975, right? Um, you know, there are things it [0:28:46, 0:28:49]: the the city can do to make sure that that rental [0:28:49, 0:28:54]: that's corporate owned is maintained and not detracting from the neighborhoods. [0:28:57, 0:29:03]: Right. We'll we'll we'll rely on the city team to to help with that part. Yeah. But it's a good idea. [0:29:03, 0:29:19]: Um what else, what other questions do we want to discuss? So I want to leave a few more, you know, I think we can allow a few more minutes for this, but um I know we could we could talk about this for a long time, but I I want to give uh you know allow some time for the other items on our agenda. [0:29:19, 0:29:20]: Sure. [0:29:21, 0:29:23]: Yeah, and if we're crunched for time, um [0:29:23, 0:29:35]: Roger, you you can always take uh questions from the the rest of the directors and just email me. Um so that you know we we don't eat up your entire evening on here. [0:29:36, 0:29:46]: Well, I'm I'm I'm happy to hear from anyone now with any questions if you had a chance to review it and if you have any specific items you want to highlight or comment on or have questions on. [0:29:52, 0:29:58]: Well, let me throw this down to the the the approach that Emily and I took with this was not only [0:29:59, 0:30:05]: What questions do you and your economic development team have? Um, but also [0:30:05, 0:30:08]: What questions do developers have? [0:30:08, 0:30:10]: Mm. So I [0:30:10, 0:30:14]: We approach this report to also be used as a marketing tool. [0:30:16, 0:30:26]: So that you can give this uh to potential retailers in the downtown. I think one of the things that they'll find the most interesting is in the community profile. [0:30:26, 0:30:35]: Um I included your top five tapestry segments. Um the the up-and-coming families, the bright young professionals, the Middleburg. [0:30:36, 0:30:37]: Um [0:30:37, 0:30:45]: That's really going to help your mom and pop businesses that want to open something in your downtown be able to target who that local market is. [0:30:46, 0:30:53]: Um, so don't let this report sit on a shelf, put it out there um to to help with your retail and restaurant recruitment efforts. [0:30:54, 0:31:14]: And well I guess what I'll just interject a question on that topic. Is there any kind of uh confidentiality? Is there any issue with us, you know, putting this out on our public website and allow I mean it's public information from my perspective, it's been purchased by, you know, what's it once once we pay our bill. Yeah, right. Yeah. No, you you purchased this from Georgia Tech. [0:31:14, 0:31:18]: Like you own this document. You can do whatever you want with it. Very good. [0:31:19, 0:31:20]: Um yeah, I uh [0:31:21, 0:31:40]: I'm just I'm happy to hear anyone else's comments, but I'm gonna uh kind of point out a few things I highlighted. I skipped by one. There was um this I found interesting that the industry tends, the total jobs is mostly in in these areas. Um I mean, what does that mean in terms of [0:31:41, 0:32:01]: I guess from from a retail or development perspective, is this just the type of workers that we would need to know to attract to in terms of income levels? What what what what do we draw from this? Well no, what what you draw from that is your your healthcare, obviously your your jobs are growing around the hospital. [0:32:01, 0:32:03]: Hospital with all the doctor's offices. [0:32:05, 0:32:08]: Um transportation warehousing is growing because [0:32:10, 0:32:21]: Everyone uh started purchasing from Amazon during COVID. Right. So they had to ship the goods. Transportation and warehousing with your location on I-75. [0:32:21, 0:32:23]: is a given, you know, all through Henry County. [0:32:24, 0:32:30]: Mm-hmm. Um your your accommodations and food services are growing. You know, uh [0:32:30, 0:32:31]: Think about [0:32:31, 0:32:38]: And there was probably a take down during COVID with all the uh the hotel closures. Um, but that's picked back up. [0:32:38, 0:32:57]: You you've had a lot of new hotels added right around uh the exit ramps. So that's been a growing industry. Your retail is primarily built out. You don't really have room for additional strip malls or a regional shopping mall. That's an outdated model that has gone away anyway. [0:32:58, 0:33:03]: So, you know, retail is is not necessarily, you know, your your your top growers like healthcare and [0:33:04, 0:33:07]: uh transportation and warehousing and hotels. [0:33:08, 0:33:28]: Did that answer your question, Roger? Yeah, that helps a lot. But as far as retail being, you know, tapped out, with the exception of the specialty small business stuff that you were mentioning earlier in the recap, right? I I wouldn't say that it's tapped out. Um, and I I was surprised when I looked into the numbers. You're drawing a lot of people. [0:33:28, 0:33:36]: People regionally into the city limits to utilize these strip malls. What I will caution you with in the future is. [0:33:37, 0:33:39]: Ритал і чангінь. [0:33:39, 0:33:42]: Bricks and mortar stores are going to be going away. [0:33:43, 0:33:48]: It's going to be a lot more online shopping and home delivery in the future. [0:33:48, 0:33:51]: So your vacancy rate, uh especially with [0:33:51, 0:33:55]: you know, a a a recession coming if it's not already here. [0:33:55, 0:33:58]: You're going to see a slowdown in that and [0:33:58, 0:34:04]: When your vacancy rate starts ticking up, you need to start considering something called retail pruning. [0:34:05, 0:34:10]: Um, it's like if you have a tree that's dying, you need to cut the dead branches off so that the rest of it stays healthy. [0:34:11, 0:34:23]: When you are left with an oversupply of retail and high vacancy rates, that's in the future where you put your affordable workforce housing and your higher density apartment complexes on what is today a strip mall. [0:34:25, 0:34:29]: So Alan, I definitely want to ask this to be clear when [0:34:29, 0:34:42]: And as far as retail, um, you know, people are coming from you know outside of the region or different regions to come to uh are you speaking of Henry County in general or is this I'm speaking of Henry County and I I'm speaking of your surrounding counties also. [0:34:43, 0:34:43]: Mm-hmm. [0:34:44, 0:34:46]: I mean it is it's a regional draw. [0:34:46, 0:34:46]: Yeah. [0:34:47, 0:34:58]: Gotcha. And it's so convenient. I mean, it it's right there on seventy-five people uh who live, you know, two counties south of you that have to commute into Atlanta for their job, they're [0:34:58, 0:35:00]: You know, why not stop at Stockbridge to hit [0:35:01, 0:35:03]: You know, what whatever stores that they need. [0:35:04, 0:35:11]: So I I wouldn't say I wouldn't say you're oversaturated because you have such a huge draw from outside of the city. [0:35:11, 0:35:15]: What I what I mean is you don't have room to add more. [0:35:15, 0:35:16]: Right. Got it. Yeah. [0:35:17, 0:35:22]: Well I I I kinda I don't know what I think that's a that's kind of a little [0:35:23, 0:35:25]: Little bit of a disagreement there in terms of [0:35:25, 0:35:33]: uh where we are because as you indicated in your housing stock, there's a room for higher end. [0:35:33, 0:35:35]: 'Cause there's no sprouts here. [0:35:35, 0:35:37]: There's no uh [0:35:37, 0:35:45]: uh upscale retail here. There's a segment of the population that's dying for that. That's taking millions of dollars out of the community. So [0:35:45, 0:35:49]: There is room and hopefully the Jodico development. [0:35:49, 0:35:51]: And the highway one thirty eight development will help. [0:35:52, 0:35:54]: Feel some of that niche, but [0:35:54, 0:36:05]: That's what's really missing is those options uh that can offer a finer quality, a Whole Foods, a Trajo's. [0:36:05, 0:36:08]: Right. Those types of businesses that we lack. [0:36:09, 0:36:22]: in the region, not just in Henry County, where that revenue could really be surged up. So I think the report kind of hit on that in the residential, but you could really duplicate that uh in the in the uh commercial. [0:36:22, 0:36:27]: Yeah, and I again when a retailer uh chooses [0:36:27, 0:36:47]: Put a pin on a map and they draw a radius of one mile, five mile, ten miles, or they look at drive time, five minute commute, thirty uh fifteen minutes, thirty-minute drive to get there, and they look at the income levels and the disposable household income that's available to spend at their retail establishment. So [0:36:47, 0:36:48]: Mm-hmm. [0:36:48, 0:36:59]: You don't have those higher end retail right now because you don't have the high enough income levels with a lot of disposable household income. [0:36:59, 0:37:07]: Which is why I'm trying to steer your housing toward a higher end than what you already have and not focus on workforce at this point. [0:37:07, 0:37:27]: Right. And that's where you come in in terms of the draw because if you did put those businesses here, we really break that model. You've seen it in the data, which is our draw is much greater than the one mile and the three mile, because we're really the first step into uh Metro Atlanta where we would be able to deliver on a lot of those. [0:37:27, 0:37:31]: items. Uh I think I just saw a number from [0:37:31, 0:37:32]: The Henry County [0:37:33, 0:37:53]: uh development authority where they just had some new data that showed I think uh the average income had kind of creeped up to eighty one thousand dollars uh where it was in in the sixties. So it had gone up. And then this segment of the population that's located uh in the southern part of Stock [0:37:52, 0:38:06]: Bridge in the Eagles Landing area. That is a zip code area that runs ranges around$100,000 where that income level is. And that's why the Jodico project is located there. That there will be pockets. [0:38:07, 0:38:09]: In the area where cat can of high. [0:38:09, 0:38:19]: income earners that can actually generate that and the draw will be much greater than the one to three one three five radius. Yeah, absolutely correct. [0:38:20, 0:38:21]: Couldn't agree more. [0:38:22, 0:38:42]: All right. Um so this just highlighting a few things that I think we mentioned earlier residents prefer McDonough to Stockbridge for restaurants and eating places and McDonough far outstrips Stockbridge in this area, you know, which you know legislatively, I think you know the city did pass several years ago. [0:38:42, 0:38:52]: the open container um you know ordinance, uh which I think is favorable to that type of establishment, which just hasn't been, you know, we haven't really gotten the right um [0:38:53, 0:38:57]: uh establishments to um take advantage of that. [0:38:57, 0:39:04]: Um so just some um opportunities, being aggressive in the redevelopment activities. [0:39:04, 0:39:11]: Charlie. Go ahead. And we're positioned very well. Uh in terms of, you know, we talked about [0:39:11, 0:39:16]: Uh you know, making sure that the downtown was walkable with the wide sidewalks. [0:39:16, 0:39:32]: We have$20 million in our East Blas dedicated just to trail. So we hope to build our own Atlanta Beltline type trail system connecting the city. We're working on a master parks plan for the city to do that to identify available parkland for a regional park. [0:39:33, 0:39:47]: uh in the city and to also, you know, we're working on opportunities on tax credits to target the area. Hopefully we should have those in place within the next uh twelve months or so that we could offer that incentive to locate in downtown. [0:39:50, 0:39:55]: All right. Um I'm skipping to the conclusion. Um [0:39:56, 0:40:05]: So I highlighted a few points here, but are there anything you want to um add to this or comment on the uh findings and recommendations from anyone? [0:40:08, 0:40:21]: No, I think I I I again I just want to really just reiterate very quickly because I don't want to necessarily re reiterate and bore anyone with this, but I think this is a definitely an amazing um report. Thank you so much for this. Um [0:40:22, 0:40:24]: Very insightful and I think this will help us. [0:40:25, 0:40:25]: Um [0:40:26, 0:40:35]: get closer to to really um devising a master plan for sure. Um I appreciate that. And if you want to sho shoot me an email so I can let my boss know. Okay. [0:40:36, 0:40:41]: I'll do that. Yeah, I I would appreciate that because I'm up for a big promotion. So that that would help. [0:40:42, 0:40:46]: I love the support. Yes, yes, yes. All right. Yeah. Thank you. [0:40:47, 0:40:53]: All right. Any any other comments or questions um uh for the George Tech team while we have them here. [0:40:55, 0:40:58]: It it it it seems like I mean th th th there's a [0:41:00, 0:41:15]: uh demand for higher end uh particularly with the amphitheater, obviously, I mean for for higher end retail, uh you know, uh nightclubs, restaurants, uh craft breweries, that kind of thing in the downtown area. Yeah. And um [0:41:16, 0:41:24]: So I I don't think it's a case of, you know, w w you know we we build it and hope that they come. I think I think they're already here or they're already um [0:41:25, 0:41:28]: willing to come here if if if we have it available for them. [0:41:29, 0:41:33]: The the demand exists already. The product is not there yet. [0:41:35, 0:41:37]: Okay. So so build it and they [0:41:38, 0:41:42]: They'll show up. They're they're already there. They're looking for it, but it's not available yet. [0:41:45, 0:41:45]: Okay, yeah. [0:41:46, 0:41:54]: So it's a little bit different from the if you build it the the field of dreams thing, if you build it, they will come. I mean, they're already here and w we just need to build it for them. [0:41:56, 0:42:05]: Yeah, well I mean they'll they'll they'll come to the brewery if you build it. That's what I'm saying. I'll come to the brewery. I'll come see a show and go to the brewery. Right. [0:42:06, 0:42:13]: I I would love to share this part too. I mean, when when I went to Macon a couple of few weeks ago for the um DDA. [0:42:13, 0:42:21]: Conference. One thing that I did notice about Macon and the way that it's growing downtown, or they revitalize in a certain part. [0:42:21, 0:42:24]: Um focusing on the residential, you know. [0:42:25, 0:42:45]: of units, um, building lofts, um maybe 28, 30 unit lofts, right? Um and then of course, um, I mean, and that's kind of how I got the idea about building a hotel, but I totally get that. We gotta we gotta bring that draw in first before we can bring in hospitality. But um a brewery is there. [0:42:45, 0:42:52]: um s you know super popular there. I think with those two alone, you know, and then also [0:42:53, 0:42:57]: creating this I know we're talk speaking of high end. [0:42:57, 0:43:10]: But also, you know, you know, sharing this, um, how am I trying to say, or express or sharing this type of idea to those who are mom and pop owners that there is a safe place. [0:43:10, 0:43:12]: in downtown for them to come. [0:43:13, 0:43:19]: as well and and do business there as well. Um I I just think that looks great. Yeah. [0:43:19, 0:43:22]: Um, and I think it's great it's good business. So [0:43:23, 0:43:37]: Yeah, and that that's that's why I included um the comp communities in this report. I wanted you to see that other people have already taken the chance and it's worked and it's paid off elsewhere. There's no reason that you can't pull this off as well. [0:43:37, 0:43:37]: For sure. [0:43:39, 0:43:39]: Well. [0:43:41, 0:43:50]: Any other thing to the fact that we have a police police department now. So I mean that that obviously that that helps tremendously with the the whole safety issue. I mean, I think they're doing a good job. So [0:43:50, 0:43:52]: Good. Great. I agree. [0:43:53, 0:43:58]: Both both in reality and perceptually, you know. [0:43:58, 0:44:16]: So Roger, is there anything in the report that needs to be changed or edited before I submit the final version of it for you? Um the uh there there was an item that was um called out as far as um oh shoot, I should have made a note of it. Um [0:44:17, 0:44:37]: You can you can send it to me in an email and I'll go ahead and edit it and send you the final draft so that you can get it on your website and you know it was it was the it was the point that councilman made that you know and maybe it's in there but maybe not emphasized enough the the parallel as far as the it's not just a demand for higher end in terms of housing. [0:44:37, 0:44:43]: but there's um there's there are there are favorable conditions as far as higher end in terms of retail. [0:44:44, 0:44:47]: Okay. I think it would be helpful to [0:44:47, 0:45:00]: sort of you know put a point on that um so you know we can point to it for any potential developer saying, you know, this is the place, this is where it's needed. There, there's a hole here that needs to be filled for that type of market. [0:45:01, 0:45:03]: Both in terms of retail and housing. [0:45:03, 0:45:04]: Okay. [0:45:04, 0:45:06]: Yeah, I I can add that with no problem. [0:45:06, 0:45:07]: Great. [0:45:08, 0:45:11]: That's the only thing I can think of. Is there anything else that we miss from anyone? [0:45:14, 0:45:33]: Um great job to you and the team, Emily. I imagine you were doing a lot of the work uh because you've been in many of the meetings. So we appreciate every everyone's effort on this. It's it's it's a it's a really great um really great asset for us to have this report for us and then help us uh in our efforts to um um to to serve our mission. So that thank you for the work. [0:45:34, 0:45:37]: Oh very good. I'm always happy to help. [0:45:37, 0:45:38]: Right. [0:45:39, 0:45:40]: All right. [0:45:41, 0:46:01]: I'm going to stop sharing there and with that we will move on to the next item on the agenda, which is uh All right. So we're we'll go ahead and step out then. Oh sure. Yeah, I'm sorry. Thank you again for being here. And um yeah, you're welcome to drop off. Okay. Feel free to email me with any questions you might have, Roger. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thanks everybody. [0:46:01, 0:46:02]: Appreciate it. Enjoyed working with you. [0:46:03, 0:46:03]: Bye. [0:46:05, 0:46:25]: All right. Um as far as uh the um uh regular agenda, so we're uh chairman's comments, we'll start with that. Um the the main thing I wanted to bring up today was um I had a conversation with our attorney, Dan McRae. We were a few things we were working on, but namely the the resolution for the uh open meeting. So [0:46:25, 0:46:45]: or the the virtual meetings. He informed me that while he is um honored and happy to serve us and especially to stay on with any um transactional deals, uh any uh real estate type of stuff, like he has helped us with the uh Sylvain uh property, um he is [0:46:45, 0:47:05]: um he he gently asked if we would consider um uh another uh resource for general counsel he just he he's at the point in his career where he just doesn't have enough time to keep up with you know kind of the day-to-day stuff he's happy to serve as an advisor type of thing but i wanted to mention that to this group that we [0:47:05, 0:47:25]: And and I've, you know, frankly, I've I've I've wanted to I I've had that idea. I came to that conclusion already just because you know I know he's busy, but he is sometimes slow to uh respond. And for the day-to-day stuff, I think we, you know, we need somebody who can just, you know, respond a little bit more quickly, handle the the operation. [0:47:25, 0:47:45]: Operational stuff as far as general counsel and then move on. I don't know that we need to look at an attorney for under, you know, like a general retainer where you pay a fixed amount per month and you can send any kind of number of questions. I think that our need is very limited to an occasional question. [0:47:45, 0:47:56]: that comes up maybe every meeting or two and we need to send to an attorney, get an opinion, maybe have them attend a meeting once or twice throughout the year. It's very limited. [0:47:56, 0:48:00]: Um but I I just wanted to mention that to the board. [0:48:00, 0:48:16]: um get your reaction and also ask if you know of any um attorneys that work in this space um that uh we think would be a good fit for representing the DDA. I I would welcome that feedback. So let me open it up for comments or [0:48:16, 0:48:17]: Thanks. [0:48:18, 0:48:27]: So I I agree we definitely would need a uh to have a attorney or retainer. Um but I'm thinking um would any attorney be willing to [0:48:28, 0:48:32]: um have a relationship with us if we're just paying them hourly. [0:48:32, 0:48:52]: You know, the hourly rage or okay, you think so? There are some when before we hired Mr. McRae, um, you know, we did do we did um research a few other alternatives. And in fact, we interviewed one or two others besides Mr. McRae before we, you know, uh before we brought him on. And and [0:48:52, 0:49:12]: And there there's different price models. Some of them charged a fixed amount, like you're on retainer, and you know, it's kind of unlimited for certain scope of work. And others, it's just hourly. You know, when you need it, you they charge you by the hour. There's risks with that, of course, because you know, they can charge you five hours for what might be a simple. [0:49:12, 0:49:24]: simple answer to a question and you know that kind of gets back to well you know then we don't use them anymore if we feel like we're getting you know yeah [0:49:24, 0:49:36]: So thank you, thank you for that. And and and there was one that came in, I recall I'd have to look up his name that came in second, you know, if you will, from back then. And you know, if if if if there aren't any other um [0:49:36, 0:49:47]: options and I did ask Mr. McCray if he had any recommendations for other farms in the area that he might recommend that might be in a good position to service. And he said he would get back to me with that. [0:49:48, 0:49:49]: Other thoughts? [0:49:50, 0:50:05]: I would only say very quickly is that I'm very leery of not having an attorney at these meetings because things do go wrong. Had something happen at another uh board meeting earlier that violated the law. [0:50:05, 0:50:07]: And there was an attorney there to correct it. [0:50:08, 0:50:26]: And those kind of things do happen from time to time. We do the best that we can, but it's always half safe to have somebody in the corner that say, oh, you might think that's okay, but it's not okay when somebody examines uh the video of the meeting and they pick out a technicality or something. So [0:50:26, 0:50:30]: Um, you know, as long as in the budget, it it it certainly would be. [0:50:30, 0:50:45]: uh something that I would feel more comfortable with having an attorney at the meeting because like I said, I'm not gonna mention what the board was, but there was another board that one of the board members said something that violated the law and there was nobody there to check it. [0:50:45, 0:50:47]: And that was a problem. Yeah. [0:50:49, 0:50:55]: Thank you. That's good feedback. I appreciate that, Councilman. So Roger, maybe we should consider retaining. [0:50:55, 0:51:15]: You know, indeed. You know, I eat of course, you know, I'm calculating the budget in my head, you know, how much the prices we got when we looked at it before, it would like eat up the whole budget that the city has generators to to to give to the DDA. So we'd have to look at that, but certainly open for discussion. I'm not I'm not I'm not rejecting the idea. It's it's it's it's a it's an it's [0:51:15, 0:51:30]: It's an excellent point when we wanna make sure we're we're doing things the right way. This is a volunteer board, so we're you know, even though we're we're we're trained um and mistakes happen even regard regardless. And so we wanna make sure that we're we're doing things uh correctly. [0:51:31, 0:51:31]: Mm-hmm. [0:51:33, 0:51:49]: Right. Maybe if we if you know uh I'm obviously to save money, but you know, if um you know, if you don't need an attorney, you don't need one, but when you need one, you need one. Maybe we we we think about any any meetings where we're gonna be discussing [0:51:50, 0:51:51]: Spending money. [0:51:52, 0:51:56]: For sure for sure. You know, uh we we need to have an attorney attorney on board. [0:52:01, 0:52:01]: All right. [0:52:02, 0:52:14]: Definitely an idea. Any any other go ahead, Frank? I'm sorry. I was I was just gonna say I was even thinking as well. I think that's that's definitely a a a good idea, but I was thinking also um [0:52:16, 0:52:22]: For the year, um this may this may seem expensive, but I think it may be reasonable. [0:52:23, 0:52:26]: Possibly uh since we have our monthly meetings for two hours. [0:52:26, 0:52:35]: Um, you know, we maybe we need to add an extra hour for that month. So maybe three to four hours per month that we retain that attorney. [0:52:35, 0:52:43]: Um there's anything extra, we'll have to be very cognizant and mindful of that, but at least it's covered every meeting. [0:52:46, 0:52:57]: So you're saying even if it's an hourly um um engagement, we we calculate enough to be able to have an an attorney present for all of our meetings. All of our meetings, yeah. Okay. [0:53:04, 0:53:05]: Okay. [0:53:05, 0:53:09]: That's good feedback. That's all really I wanted at this point. Any other thoughts on that point? [0:53:09, 0:53:10]: Um [0:53:11, 0:53:31]: Uh uh other than to leave you with it, if it you know, I would I would certainly appreciate the help that if anyone knows of attorneys that work in the space or wouldn't mind, you know, doing a little bit of research. I mean, to find out that's how when we when we did it before, we just started making phone calls, calling attorneys' offices and one thing led to another and we found a few that were, you know, [0:53:31, 0:53:51]: work in this space. There is an added advantage that since we are holding our, at least for now, holding our meetings virtually, there's a little bit more willingness to bring in an attorney who, you know, is has to be Georgia based, but might not be in the immediate area. You know, you know, it could be very [0:53:50, 0:53:57]: yet or somewhere else in the metro area, but would be willing to uh serve since they don't have to add the travel time. [0:53:59, 0:54:07]: So please, you know, uh leave that open for everyone to, you know, if you have any recommendations or thoughts, please, please uh bring them my way. [0:54:08, 0:54:17]: All right. Um we don't have a treasurer update. Um Barber is uh wasn't able to make it for this meeting, so we'll move to the next item. Uh secretary updates. Bob, you have anything for the group? [0:54:18, 0:54:19]: Uh no. [0:54:20, 0:54:27]: All right, then that brings us to Kira for the uh Main Street updates. [0:54:27, 0:54:47]: Hello. Hi. Just a few quick updates. The Main Street program is going to be hosting their free movie Friday event. If you all may recall, our one of our events was rained out. So we'll be hosting it a makeup movie day on October the [0:54:47, 0:54:48]: The seventh [0:54:49, 0:54:56]: That is um a Friday. It'll be Friday afternoon. So um please help us um promote that particular event. [0:54:57, 0:54:59]: And we'll also have a [0:54:59, 0:55:07]: kind of skipped over to um that event, but we are also preparing to be present at the Bridge Fest celebration that will be happening. [0:55:08, 0:55:09]: Um this weekend. [0:55:10, 0:55:30]: So please also help us pub publicize and promote that particular event as well. The main thing that we are planning for is our small business Saturday event that comes up every year. And we have actually been recognized. [0:55:30, 0:55:50]: nationally for some of our programs that we have in place. So we want to make sure that we continue in that vein of success and make sure that this year's event is just as exciting as it has been over the past years. We will be doing a month-long November business blitz. [0:55:49, 0:55:51]: Which will um [0:55:52, 0:56:12]: Highlight stockbridge businesses for the entire month of November. We will have a shopping passport. And you all may be familiar with our hard copy passport. This year we are going to actually have a digital passport. And this is based on feedback that we receive from some of our shoppers and diners. [0:56:11, 0:56:28]: um just trying to take the program to that next level by having a way for people to upload their um receipts when they shop at our local businesses um so that they are entered into the chance to win um a prize drawing at the end of the [0:56:29, 0:56:49]: um November Blitz celebration. So we'll have the entire month of November, the Blitz where we will have different promotions going on at the participating businesses. And then everything will culminate in Small Business Saturday, which is the Saturday every year after Thanksgiving. So if you know a small businesses, [0:56:49, 0:57:09]: That are interested in participating, please let us know. I know Roger Braun Beautiful is a participant, and we appreciate you all being a part of our celebration and supporting us since the beginning, since we first started this effort here in Stockbridge. And it has grown from just [0:57:09, 0:57:29]: Just four businesses, which Barn Beautiful was one, to over 40 businesses participating last year. Even through the pandemic, we were able to keep the momentum going with this particular promotion. So just if you know business owners who would be great for this type of promotion, let us know so that we can make sure that we get. [0:57:28, 0:57:32]: get them registered and participating on our digital passport. [0:57:34, 0:57:35]: And um that's about all. [0:57:37, 0:57:52]: Thank you, Kira. I appreciate all the work that's been done over the years. And I can say from our experience, uh uh, especially in um at least before the pandemic, that was uh the small business Saturday was it was very often our the busiest day of our year. [0:57:52, 0:57:59]: So it really worked out well for us. So we appreciate everything that was done by the by you and your team and the community. [0:58:00, 0:58:02]: Any any questions or comments for Kira? [0:58:04, 0:58:24]: Oh Roger, I had one more thing. I'm sorry. I slipped right over it on my little cheat sheet here. Um we did, um, if you all recall, the downtown beautification and activation committee um put together a um proposal for um plantings in the downtown district that planting [0:58:24, 0:58:29]: Process has begun. Um, I think they finished up the plantings um this past [0:58:29, 0:58:30]: Friday. [0:58:31, 0:58:32]: And um [0:58:32, 0:58:52]: We are going to be working vigorously with public works to keep those plantings alive and keep them watered because we're looking forward to a very vibrant and beautified downtown with regard to our planting, our beds, florals, new shrubs. [0:58:52, 0:58:57]: shrubs and some blooming plants have been added to the downtown flower beds. [0:58:58, 0:59:01]: Nice. Thank you for that. I wasn't aware of that. [0:59:01, 0:59:02]: Mm-hmm. [0:59:04, 0:59:06]: And that definitely is all. [0:59:07, 0:59:08]: Go ahead, counselor. [0:59:08, 0:59:10]: Yes, uh in terms of uh [0:59:11, 0:59:16]: Things going forward, so the main street will have what a tent or a [0:59:17, 0:59:20]: Uh distribution location at Main Street, how's that gonna work out? [0:59:21, 0:59:24]: What's the what what's the setup look like? With regard to what? [0:59:24, 0:59:26]: Uh at uh at the bridge fest. Yeah. [0:59:27, 0:59:47]: Oh, at Bridgefest, we will just we will have a um tent with information. We're going to be really pushing the um small business Saturday effort and the November business blitz. We'll also have um the app available for people to download it right there on the spot. So we'll be making sure that we get as many people. [0:59:47, 0:59:53]: people as possible to sign up for our November business blitz to participate as shoppers and diners. [0:59:54, 1:00:02]: Okay, okay. Uh so will that be inclusive of the concerts too, or are you just are you outside during the festival? Where is that? [1:00:02, 1:00:04]: We'll be in the the festival part. [1:00:05, 1:00:08]: Okay, you'll be in the festival part. Uh okay. [1:00:08, 1:00:09]: All right. Um [1:00:09, 1:00:15]: In terms of uh long term planning uh of coming up, what other events uh [1:00:15, 1:00:17]: You got that coming up. Doesn't we have a um [1:00:17, 1:00:21]: Halloween event this year, I think, uh from the council. So [1:00:21, 1:00:24]: What's Main Street's involvement in the Halloween event? [1:00:24, 1:00:27]: Well, that's something that we have been um [1:00:28, 1:00:31]: kind of discussing with events, there is a um [1:00:32, 1:00:32]: Hey. [1:00:33, 1:00:37]: Um fall festival that is being hosted by um [1:00:38, 1:00:39]: Councilwoman Lakeisha Gantt. [1:00:40, 1:01:00]: And that is scheduled for two days prior to um Halloween. So Main Street has um asked that we devote the attention to that fall festival as opposed to hosting a separate Halloween festival because it would be really a duplication of the type of [1:01:00, 1:01:05]: of um activities and events that are hosted during um [1:01:05, 1:01:09]: Councilwoman Gantt's Fall Festival only two days later. So [1:01:09, 1:01:11]: Um to [1:01:11, 1:01:24]: um consider the economy of fun economy of funds and to really look um strategically at how we handle events. We will not be hosting a Halloween event in the downtown. [1:01:24, 1:01:35]: Okay, but the council authorized the Halloween event for the city. On the council initiatives are separate events that the council people do, but the city authorized a [1:01:35, 1:01:38]: city event in the downtown directly. [1:01:39, 1:01:46]: for this. So Main Street doesn't have any involvement in an event that was approved for the city in the downtown area. [1:01:47, 1:02:01]: Well, we also took a look at the fact that the um downtown area is in transition right now. Um the alleyway, we had hoped to be further along on the alleyway project at this time. Um the [1:02:01, 1:02:10]: This downtown area is not as buttoned up as as we would like to have had it for uh to invite people downtown for a Halloween event. [1:02:11, 1:02:19]: Um the welcome center is in the um final stages of being completed, but we don't think that it will be quite finished. [1:02:20, 1:02:31]: exactly at that time where um people would be hosted in the downtown. So we'd rather have a um downtown open house type event once the um [1:02:32, 1:02:37]: The welcome center has been completed where we could be a little bit more buttoned up. [1:02:37, 1:02:38]: And um [1:02:38, 1:02:42]: better able to welcome the community to the downtown area. [1:02:43, 1:02:48]: Okay, well we're gonna have to circle back to that because this is an event that was authorized by the council. [1:02:49, 1:03:09]: That the staff would need to carry out, whether that be your department or or the events department, because this the the council actually voted on and funded the event so that we could do it uh appropriately. There may be some discussion in combining the two events, but the city had authorized that. But I'll have to uh [1:03:08, 1:03:15]: I seek um speak with Mr. Gardner to see what the direction is going to be. So thank you. Okay. Yes, sir. [1:03:17, 1:03:19]: Any other comments or questions for Kira? [1:03:20, 1:03:21]: Mm. [1:03:21, 1:03:41]: All right. Next item on the agenda is the facade grant update. I don't have any updates other than to say that the next step for that, in my perspective, would be to market the program. And a predecessor activity for that would be to get our logo. [1:03:41, 1:03:51]: established so that we can do print materials and so forth with the uh new name and our new logo. And that's a little bit later on in the agenda. So Bob, do you have anything to add regarding the facade grant? [1:03:52, 1:04:11]: All right, I see you shaking your head. So we'll we'll move on. Uh city staff updates uh that would normally be covered by our city staff liaison. Um Mr. Gardner was invited to this meeting, but I don't see that he's here. So we'll move to the next item, which is the city council updates. So councilman, uh you have the floor. [1:04:12, 1:04:18]: Yes, uh you know, previously I had mentioned uh there possibly might be [1:04:18, 1:04:38]: a hotel downtown. I was misinformed and I think we received some bad information that once it was looked into that the staff discovered that location was not downtown. It was somewhere else. So that uh may led to some of the confusion with what we had because initially [1:04:38, 1:04:42]: we were told that the location was downtown. [1:04:42, 1:04:46]: Then after we got in a discussion and all the information came in. [1:04:46, 1:04:50]: It was determined that that location was not in downtown. Sorry for that. [1:04:50, 1:04:51]: Snapful. [1:04:52, 1:04:52]: But uh [1:04:53, 1:05:13]: In terms of economic development, we've had the flowers, the old flower shop at 118 uh MLK Senior Heritage has been sold. Uh Mr. Sylvain, Mr. Sylvan purchased it, and uh he's in the process of securing the tenant. He's actually taken our advertisement for the previous owner. [1:05:12, 1:05:14]: [3914.9, 3934.9]: um actively marketing it only for sale. He's uh actually uh going to market it to see what can be brought in. And uh there it will be some movement on the fire station uh development uh as well so those updates will be uh coming to the council where there'll be a very [1:05:34, 1:05:37]: Very exciting project going on. [1:05:37, 1:05:57]: uh at the fire station, uh which uh will involve bringing in some of the things that we talked about, uh like the restaurants and uh the different entities that we're looking for. So that space now, we know we have at least two spaces that will be available. 118 will be available and then uh the fire [1:05:57, 1:05:58]: station would be available. [1:05:58, 1:06:18]: And we expect to uh I would expect uh to be able to select a end user for 114 to be uh sold uh from the city to a uh business owner as well for an additional business. So we look forward to those three locations being uh occupied. [1:06:18, 1:06:30]: uh within the next um twelve to eighteen months uh with new businesses. So there is uh some growth uh in the downtown area and we look forward to [1:06:30, 1:06:32]: Those things happening. [1:06:32, 1:06:35]: And coming into full bloom for us. [1:06:35, 1:06:40]: Uh in terms of other economic development, you know, the Jodico project is moving forward. [1:06:40, 1:06:42]: Uh, it's info bloom. [1:06:42, 1:06:47]: Uh the uh first multi units are coming up, the resort style. [1:06:47, 1:06:49]: They made remarkable improvements and [1:06:50, 1:06:53]: uh conditions they are building brownstone town homes right next to it. [1:06:54, 1:06:58]: Those town homes are are b are progressing fast. I stopped by and talked to [1:06:58, 1:07:00]: The construction manager who said [1:07:00, 1:07:02]: The town homes would probably be ready. [1:07:02, 1:07:04]: uh for sale before [1:07:05, 1:07:06]: The uh mar the uh [1:07:07, 1:07:08]: Oh [1:07:08, 1:07:12]: The uh apartments will be ready in the first leg of the apartment. [1:07:12, 1:07:14]: should be opening up in February. [1:07:15, 1:07:17]: Of next year, so some of the town homes will be ready. [1:07:18, 1:07:22]: uh by that time as well. So that's moving a f moving forward. [1:07:22, 1:07:25]: Uh we understand that the Costco is gonna be [1:07:25, 1:07:28]: Uh on the front parcel in front of Jodico. [1:07:28, 1:07:30]: And they're preparing the pad for it. [1:07:30, 1:07:33]: Now, so that location is moving forward. [1:07:33, 1:07:35]: And you're probably hopefully you're aware that we [1:07:36, 1:07:43]: Have approved about$200 million in economic development for Highway 138, which is west. [1:07:43, 1:07:47]: Oh IS seventy five. Both of the locations are [1:07:47, 1:07:50]: At uh highway one thirty eight and spivey road. [1:07:50, 1:07:53]: Uh one is called Remy Rose. It is mixed use. [1:07:54, 1:07:56]: uh with uh apartments [1:07:56, 1:07:57]: Um [1:07:57, 1:08:15]: Think 297 apartments on one side on that side with 128 town homes. And then on the other side, there's a business, there's one with uh mixed use on the other side of Spider Road on the south side of Highway 138 that will that's called Tranquil Twerk Trails. [1:08:16, 1:08:17]: It will have um [1:08:18, 1:08:19]: Uh [1:08:19, 1:08:20]: Uh two hundred. [1:08:20, 1:08:22]: Three hundred and eighteen apartments. [1:08:22, 1:08:23]: And [1:08:23, 1:08:27]: Fifty townhomes. Uh, these town homes are of [1:08:27, 1:08:43]: All of them will be very nice quality townhomes. They will be residential. It was an exciting announcement that uh the nourish and bloom owners were actually at the zoning hearing. And if you don't know about nourish and bloom, you should Google it. They're the first autonomous grocers. [1:08:44, 1:08:45]: Um in um [1:08:46, 1:08:49]: in America and they opened up their first location at Trilli. [1:08:50, 1:09:09]: in uh Fayetteville, of course, for the move uh by the movie studio, where it's a 24-hour grocery store where basically you go in and you have an app. You don't it's k you don't ring up anything. It automatically rings up your merchandise as you exit the store and print your receipt and everything for you. It includes a bistro [1:09:09, 1:09:11]: Oh organic um [1:09:11, 1:09:13]: Organic uh [1:09:13, 1:09:15]: Vegetables and [1:09:15, 1:09:35]: that type of thing uh as well, so to be, and then the store that they built over in Fayetteville, they said it was two about fourteen hundred square feet. The store that they're building here will be fourteen hundred square feet. And they've been working hand in hand with the developer since the the uh uh since the development of the Tranquil Trails and they're actually going [1:09:35, 1:09:41]: gonna have paths throughout this development where they can have their robots. [1:09:41, 1:09:43]: actually deliver [1:09:44, 1:09:58]: to the various units along those paths to their multifamily and to the townhomes for the residents who live on site. They will be able to place their order and then the robot will be able to deliver it to them to their front door. [1:09:58, 1:10:01]: This is extremely exciting'cause the technology is really [1:10:02, 1:10:04]: uh cutting edge and to have those two business owners [1:10:05, 1:10:08]: Featured on good morning, America, numerous. [1:10:08, 1:10:10]: uh print articles [1:10:10, 1:10:13]: And they live right here in Henry County. And what they said was [1:10:13, 1:10:16]: We want to invest right here in our community. [1:10:17, 1:10:19]: And that's that's what they plan on doing. [1:10:19, 1:10:21]: And they said they plan on having a store. [1:10:22, 1:10:27]: uh construction starting in late November and to be open by late summer or [1:10:27, 1:10:28]: uh early fall. [1:10:29, 1:10:31]: uh of next year so they have a very aggressive [1:10:31, 1:10:34]: Time table. If you haven't seen [1:10:34, 1:10:38]: The renderings of the pictures is uh absolutely amazing. It is a beautiful [1:10:38, 1:10:40]: North Side type facility. [1:10:40, 1:10:42]: Uh that you could put in bookhead. [1:10:43, 1:10:43]: Um [1:10:44, 1:10:45]: Perimeter. [1:10:45, 1:11:05]: Uh you can put it anywhere in the city and it will be acceptable. So that's kind of where we are now. So things are moving forward and each and every one of you should have received an invitation from the city for Bridge Fest. Hopefully uh you can make it and attend and then uh meet some uh business people that uh will be invited. [1:11:05, 1:11:09]: along the way to kinda talk about opportunities that we have here. [1:11:09, 1:11:11]: As well as fellowship and enjoy. [1:11:12, 1:11:17]: uh the concert at the same time. I would like uh Miss Holliday has done some work. [1:11:17, 1:11:23]: uh on potential food for us. And I think um she's come up with a vendor [1:11:23, 1:11:28]: uh potentially that could help us uh with food. Is that correct, Miss Halliday? [1:11:28, 1:11:31]: I'm so would you repeat that for me, sir? [1:11:31, 1:11:40]: Uh about the food and being able to I had a caterer who reached out who was he evidently had watched the meeting prior. [1:11:40, 1:11:48]: When you were speaking about having a cater, caterer um come in for the tables for the DDA and any economic development. [1:11:49, 1:11:57]: um people that may be present. So he he has expressed interest in providing that if the um DDA was [1:11:58, 1:11:58]: Interesting. [1:12:01, 1:12:03]: He should bring you all a sample. [1:12:03, 1:12:04]: That's what I suggest. [1:12:04, 1:12:15]: Okay, well I certainly am interested and then I don't know how quick today could turn it around, but you know, Bridge Fest is Saturday and then uh it I think majorly for the [1:12:16, 1:12:20]: The real lineup is the concerts at night from seven till eleven. [1:12:20, 1:12:40]: Right. Um where uh the big time performers start uh then on through Climax and the City Band and Soul Cartel and then commonizer with George Clinton and Parliament Parliament. So uh I have invited several guests to that uh on my behalf of the council and for us as well. [1:12:40, 1:13:00]: well and you all should do the same to any business people that you think would be interested in it. This is a free concert. So we can, you know, normally for the paid concerts, we don't have tickets or you know spots to give away, but we have the VIP area that we uh certainly can be take advantage of to invite guests in to talk about [1:13:00, 1:13:02]: those opportunities here in the city. [1:13:02, 1:13:03]: So I suggest we do have [1:13:04, 1:13:06]: some food available for breakfast. [1:13:06, 1:13:09]: Uh if that is possible uh with this vendor. [1:13:10, 1:13:11]: Right. [1:13:11, 1:13:17]: I will reach back out and reach out to the chair and the treasurer to send the information. [1:13:18, 1:13:30]: Yeah, and if there's because we established we have a budget. So if you just need approval for, you know, a proposal as far as you know the menu items and pricing or something like that, I'm I'm happy to review and and push that along. [1:13:31, 1:13:36]: Okay, and that that that may mean there will be a ratification since the event is this weekend. [1:13:37, 1:13:37]: Well [1:13:38, 1:13:43]: A ratification meaning to ratify the spend? Right. [1:13:43, 1:13:48]: Um because I think we established that we had it in in this year. You have the budget. Yes. [1:13:48, 1:13:58]: Yeah, so I would I I it I I would think that that would be within my authority to say, yes, this falls within budget. It's okay to place the order, right? Yes. [1:13:58, 1:14:07]: Okay. I just wanted to send them information to you and and and the treasurer. That's right. Yeah, she may be out of pockets, so in her absence, I'll I'll make sure it can see. [1:14:08, 1:14:20]: Well hopefully she can make it Saturday. Oh no, it's spring break. Oh well it's fall break. So some people might be out of town, right? Yeah. Yeah, she had mentioned something that she couldn't make this meeting because she'd be out of town, but I don't know the I don't know the range of dates. Okay. [1:14:21, 1:14:22]: All right. Anything else, councilman? [1:14:23, 1:14:25]: Uh no, thank you. [1:14:25, 1:14:29]: All right, uh any questions for Councilman Alexander, questions or comments? [1:14:32, 1:14:52]: Um I just have a few follow-up items. I'll I'll just do are there I'll list them. Do you have any updates on the alleyway project 114 uh MLK purchase, uh the Welcome Center completion, the East Atlanta, the East Atlanta Roadway Expansion, um, and or the Arts and Cultural Center. Is any are there any updates on? [1:14:52, 1:15:12]: On any of those uh well, in terms of the uh welcome center, I think Miss Bragg gave us an update. I was thought we were supposed to be finished. Uh she's saying that uh maybe she can give us a further update that uh it the timetable that it was supposed to be finished by uh that point, so maybe we can get [1:15:12, 1:15:15]: [4516.3, 4536.3]: I I was just gonna say with regard to the um Ted Strickland Um Welcome Center renovations, there have been some um supply chain challenges with regard to um materials. Um however, um the crew has come back. They started working again last week and have done [1:15:36, 1:15:56]: some installations. Millwork was another big thing that we were waiting to receive. Millwork being the desks and built-ins that were programmed for that particular location. I am supposed to be going to a site visit of the facility this week. [1:15:56, 1:16:16]: and um see what has been done. But um the crew was down for about two weeks um where they were not able to really do any work on the site because they were still um trying to get materials. But they're back to work now and um hopefully um I'll be able to see some marked progress. [1:16:16, 1:16:19]: address when I go for the site visit this week. [1:16:20, 1:16:21]: Thank you for that. [1:16:21, 1:16:25]: Okay, on East Atlanta Road, we finally um [1:16:25, 1:16:28]: Have got things rolling uh on this uh [1:16:28, 1:16:31]: We were waiting on Georgia Power War to come in and [1:16:31, 1:16:34]: Work on some easement easements, I'm told by [1:16:34, 1:16:54]: uh public works that if all goes well, we should be able to restart the work within three to four weeks uh along East Atlanta and Lee Street to move that forward. We just really had a false start. We should never started the project without having the easements in place and we did start it without it. [1:16:54, 1:16:57]: But uh Georgia Power was really the hold up I'm told. [1:16:57, 1:16:59]: And they have uh [1:16:59, 1:17:19]: uh been out uh met with public works last uh two weeks ago and the plan is to have somebody out there to get the work restarted in three to four weeks out there along that uh realm. In terms of 114, I do still expect the decision. The council had uh asked for some [1:17:19, 1:17:21]: Financials. [1:17:21, 1:17:25]: And uh some information on each one of the potential [1:17:25, 1:17:26]: Uh [1:17:26, 1:17:46]: uh property business owners who wanted to purchase. We don't want to just sell to somebody. We want to make sure that that person has the wherewithal to move through with the plans that they presented to us. So once that process is concluded, we'll make a final decision on that. And we have multiple offers to make with which to make that decision on it. [1:17:47, 1:17:47]: Oh [1:17:48, 1:17:50]: In terms of the cultural art center. [1:17:50, 1:17:51]: Uh [1:17:51, 1:17:52]: I think uh [1:17:52, 1:17:55]: I haven't really had anything significant happen on that. [1:17:55, 1:17:57]: I was told that we have uh potentially have [1:17:58, 1:17:58]: Oh. [1:17:58, 1:18:01]: Of some financial options that to be able to execute it. [1:18:01, 1:18:03]: To be able to start sooner rather than later. [1:18:04, 1:18:05]: As early as next year. [1:18:05, 1:18:07]: But I'll need to withhold the [1:18:08, 1:18:09]: Actual information until [1:18:10, 1:18:12]: Uh that process is completed. [1:18:14, 1:18:25]: Appreciate that. Um anything new on the alleyway project? Kira, I think we might be closer to that. I'm not sure who could report on that or if we have any information. Well, yeah, I think Cura might be best uh to answer that one. [1:18:26, 1:18:30]: Okay, um as far as that's concerned, um we are um [1:18:30, 1:18:37]: in the stage where we are having to um get easements on several properties that are um [1:18:38, 1:18:49]: In the on um Martin Luther King Senior Heritage Trail, where the um rear um property lines um have some um incursion into the um [1:18:50, 1:19:03]: project area. So we are going to have to work with those particular property owners to get access to those little slivers of property that are along the project site. [1:19:04, 1:19:14]: We're um again, we're working with a real estate uh not a real estate attorney, but a um land acquisition attorney to help us kind of navigate that and um [1:19:14, 1:19:25]: We will be working with those individual property owners and once the access to those properties has been secured, we'll be able to move forward with the project. [1:19:26, 1:19:36]: Okay, thank you for that. If if you need any help as far as uh, you know, informing any of the affected property owners and maybe helping to um [1:19:36, 1:19:44]: influence their decision or talk to them if they have any resistance. But you know, I'm personally happy to help and I'm sure the other board members would be happy to help you out with that. [1:19:45, 1:19:46]: Okay, thank you very much. [1:19:48, 1:19:55]: Okay, thank you for that. Um, any other updates for or any other items for city council or city staff? [1:19:58, 1:20:00]: I I guess I'll just go. [1:20:01, 1:20:14]: I'm sorry, I've I've got one thing. Yeah. I um I I went I signed our resolution regarding the virtual meetings and uh as secretary and I I'm I'm assuming I need to deliver that signed uh resolution. [1:20:14, 1:20:19]: to um Miss Holiday, I can I can drop it off at her office maybe tomorrow afternoon or [1:20:20, 1:20:21]: Um R has Roger signed it? [1:20:23, 1:20:26]: Uh there was no place for Roger to sign it. [1:20:27, 1:20:41]: Look at that. I I think an electronic signature should be okay. I have the capability of signing it and then scanning it and sending it back and doing it through that. And I I'm happy to drop it off my, you know, the the ink, you know, the [1:20:41, 1:20:46]: the the the original version just to keep it in the paper files. [1:20:46, 1:20:48]: Okay. My topic has um [1:20:48, 1:20:51]: Okay, like I said, I'm in the Secretary. [1:20:51, 1:20:53]: Oh, the calls for the secretary to sign? [1:20:53, 1:21:02]: My copy has chairman and secretary. Both. Okay. Then yeah, Bob, then let's do that. If you could drop off your copy to um [1:21:03, 1:21:04]: Glass up. [1:21:05, 1:21:08]: Bob, are you looking at the um certificate? [1:21:09, 1:21:14]: I think you're going to be able to do it. [1:21:16, 1:21:17]: Yeah. [1:21:18, 1:21:35]: Let's bring that up again. See, there's my copy and it has chairman and secretary on it. That's the signature. Yeah, that does. It does. Okay. Yeah, it does. It does. It does. Okay. Then thank you for no, no, no. Thank you, Bob, for checking that because we both need to sign it. So um [1:21:36, 1:21:56]: If you don't mind, um it it might be a little bit easier if you drop it off at Barn Beautiful and then I'll pick it up from there and I'll sign it and then I'll drop it off to City Hall with both our signatures. Why don't I why don't I do that? Why don't I do that? Okay. That'll be a little bit easier and then I'll make sure that the uh electronic copy goes to our attorney and back to you for your [1:21:55, 1:22:01]: electronic records and then I'll keep the paper copy with um I'll deliver the paper copy to uh city hall. [1:22:02, 1:22:03]: Okay. [1:22:04, 1:22:07]: I'll drop it off tomorrow. No, it was a good point. I'm glad you brought that up. [1:22:10, 1:22:30]: All right, um we'll move on to our next items. Um the next few are just uh updates. So um we I I wanted to just give you a preview because you all were good enough to approve the uh a proposal. And I know I know there were some questions about you know the DDA's role in approving a public art proposal for the city council regarding [1:22:30, 1:22:36]: a Martin Luther King senior public art project to memorialize um [1:22:36, 1:22:56]: uh you know dr king's father so um i wanted to share with you just briefly to give you a preview this is a draft a work in progress and um in fact we're meeting with the um consultant next week to do some um updates to this but let me let me bring up the item and just scan through [1:22:56, 1:23:04]: Through what's been developed so far. So you have a maybe a better idea of what of what this was about and um. [1:23:05, 1:23:09]: you know what r value we're getting for the um for the effort. [1:23:09, 1:23:13]: Um get set up here. One moment. Let me share the [1:23:14, 1:23:16]: Share screen. [1:23:16, 1:23:36]: Sure and share. All right, so this is the um this is the first draft of the item. Um what it basically does is it makes a business case as to why a public art project of this scale is an economic development opportunity for the city of Stockbridge. [1:23:36, 1:23:47]: And I'm just going to scan through this really quickly. Some statistics on tourism and economic impact. And then it goes into the process. I mean, this doesn't just happen. [1:23:48, 1:24:07]: you know, without a lot of planning, especially of something of this scale. It talks about forming a steering committee, what role that has as far as um uh the the role in the community and what type of uh membership should be included in the steering committee. I'm gonna make this a little bit bigger so you can see some of the text. [1:24:08, 1:24:14]: Um it then goes into um the process for establishing a location. [1:24:14, 1:24:34]: Um, it will then cover this. Is only a few pages, so um uh then it goes into uh a little bit of how we need to plan for marketing and media relations related to a project of this scale. And uh then as far as how to uh engage the [1:24:34, 1:24:35]: the community. [1:24:36, 1:24:56]: And uh the uh then it goes into timeline. So there's uh both the narrative here about the timeline and what are the elements required for the timeline. And then a little bit further on, there's actually uh a page that gives that in a in in a uh in a more of a timeline format. And then budget considerations. And I'll pause on this one a little bit. [1:24:56, 1:24:59]: that to just go into a little bit more detail as to um [1:25:00, 1:25:20]: You know, obviously there's a there's cost to doing something like this, but there are funding opportunities. There are opportunities from uh grants from you know various uh partners. There's ways in which you can um legislatively establish uh incentives, like for example, some if a large developer [1:25:20, 1:25:40]: were to come into um the area you can um have legislation that a portion of their development would go towards public art in the community um you can there's uh you know uh there's already uh henry county visitors bureau so we collect and um uh you know we we [1:25:39, 1:25:56]: We uh we get funding from uh Henry or we provide funding to the Henry County Visitors Bureau by a hotel motel tax, and that funding can be used for this type of a tourism development initiative. So that's another funding opportunity and others. [1:25:57, 1:26:17]: And finally, uh there's uh project timeline and then some cost. Um, and I'm gonna skip over that because that we need a little bit more context around the cost. But I wanted to just give you a general preview of what this is about. There's gonna be a lot more work done to this before we're ready to present this to the council. So, Councilman Alexander. [1:26:17, 1:26:28]: you're getting a sneak preview of what this document is about. So let me just ask if there's any uh questions uh or any comments on that so far. [1:26:30, 1:26:44]: No, I just I just think we're we're definitely in the right direction. Um listen, just after hearing that report earlier from Georgia Tech and just my little bright ideas and what I'm excited of of us to talk about an arts and cultural center is was definitely one of them. [1:26:45, 1:26:49]: Um spar to putting out there. So yeah, I think we're on the right track. [1:26:49, 1:27:01]: Thanks for hand. Um Roger, I was just gonna say that it's been um really great meeting with the consultant. Um, she has some really good ideas and [1:27:01, 1:27:14]: has been through this type of has done this type of work before and is very well informed in the various aspects of the process. So I think that we are definitely going to um [1:27:15, 1:27:19]: have a a great plan to pr present to the mayor and council. [1:27:20, 1:27:21]: Yeah. [1:27:23, 1:27:33]: Other thoughts? And if not, I'll move on to the next item. And that is to uh get the next item up just a moment. [1:27:35, 1:27:45]: um the new DDA logo. So let me get that going and then I'll show that as well. So this is another sneak preview that you're getting for the DDA logo. [1:27:45, 1:27:50]: Um this I'm particular well, I'm excited about both of these, by the way, but um [1:27:51, 1:27:55]: Let me get back to the Zoom window over here. [1:27:56, 1:27:58]: Your screen. All right. [1:28:00, 1:28:20]: You should be able to see that now. So we've gone through several iterations to get to this. Um, some of the earlier versions, the what we were presented with was um um a logo that looked too much like the city of Stockbridge logo. It could easily be misunderstood as being. [1:28:20, 1:28:40]: One and the same. The DDA is a separate entity and we wanted to make sure that there was an alignment with the city's brand, but a separation as well. So this is a draft version of what we've come at so far. This is a few iterations of the same logo so that we could use these for various. [1:28:40, 1:28:58]: It's uh you know, it's to different use cases, whether it's uh you know letterhead or a business card or or that type of thing. And I'm gonna zoom in on this uh piece right here, which is this uh the seal. By the way, this whole thing created a very significant design challenge because. [1:28:59, 1:29:19]: With the trade name of developing downtown Stockbridge and the full legal name of the downtown development authority of the city of Stockbridge, that's 11 words in one logo. So um I really uh applaud the design firm for being able to put this together in a way that's um digestible without [1:29:18, 1:29:38]: So they also came up with this new idea of using a seal, which has the full legal name of the authority sort of swirled around it. So we've got a few more adjustments to make to all of these, but I wanted to share with you the work in progress of what's been done so far. Any immediate reaction? [1:29:42, 1:29:43]: I I like the one on the top. [1:29:44, 1:29:52]: I like the one on the second row in the middle. I I definitely do not like the one where the the S is the big S is on the side. [1:29:53, 1:29:53]: Mm-hmm. [1:29:54, 1:29:56]: You know, to me that looks that looks kind of messy. [1:29:57, 1:30:17]: Uh understood. And that's the one that has, you know, the whole thing. But I I will say this is the whole package. This this is one whole uh package that that that would be, you know, so we might use say this for a t-shirt and use the one over here for maybe a letterhead and maybe the one over here for an official. [1:30:17, 1:30:37]: Declaration or something like that. This, I think the the the seal would be more for a formal uh use because it's the full legal name and only the legal name, not the trade name. Um so each one is gonna have a, you know, maybe potentially different use cases, but it but they're developing um package for this entire [1:30:37, 1:30:37]: Yeah. [1:30:38, 1:30:40]: set that we're seeing here. [1:30:42, 1:30:45]: Okay. So thank you. Thank you for that, Rob. Appreciate the feedback. [1:30:47, 1:30:48]: Any other thoughts? [1:30:51, 1:30:52]: You feel like we're on the right track? [1:30:53, 1:30:56]: All right, good. Appreciate that. Thank you for [1:30:56, 1:30:58]: Take a look at that. [1:30:58, 1:31:01]: Uh a few more items to cover. [1:31:02, 1:31:17]: The master plan restart. So now that we have the market study in place, I'm going to engage our TSW partners to let them know we have a market study so we can formally restart the market master plan for the downtown district. Yay. [1:31:18, 1:31:18]: Um [1:31:19, 1:31:39]: The updates on the downtown strategic work plan. Um, right now my work well Ciara gave an update on the beautification uh committee that she is leading. Um, I think we have a gap uh with the uh committees that um that Alan was leading. Um by the way, I'll ask: are there any um um prospects for uh [1:31:39, 1:31:45]: backfilling the economic development director position with the city. Any any update on that? [1:31:47, 1:32:04]: I have no real update. I think we're searching, but I don't know if there's any a significant candidate. All right, very good. Um, so I think you know, the work that was being done by Alan is kind of on pause on that front. The work I was doing, the leading the tourism committee, I'm focusing more towards the MLK. [1:32:04, 1:32:22]: um um statue and you know public art project so you've gotten the update on that last item on the agenda and councilman this will be for you have you gotten any update on the um um committee to draft the or excuse me the intergovernmental agreement with the city any any updates on their approval of that [1:32:23, 1:32:25]: Miss Holliday, can you talk about that? [1:32:28, 1:32:40]: Uh it remains the same. It has been submitted to the attorney. Uh it has not been sent back to the council yet to go on the agenda. It won't be on the well, it may go on the 27th agenda. Um [1:32:41, 1:32:44]: But we haven't received it back yet from the attorneys. I'm sorry. [1:32:44, 1:32:55]: Okay. Thank you for the update. Is there is there any way we can get that moving? I just I'd I'd like to close that item or or if there is feedback, you know, work through it so that we can, you know, move on. [1:32:56, 1:33:16]: I think we will be moving on. I think the attorneys had had a bunch of issues that were kind of backlogged, and I think this was one of them. But I believe they have committed to moving these backlog issues forward because clerk insisted. So I think we're moving in the right direction. All right. Well, I appreciate that. And thank you [1:33:15, 1:33:21]: for thank you and and city clerk and city staff for all the work you're doing to support the DDA. [1:33:22, 1:33:31]: Um with that I don't have any other we've gone through the uh remaining parts of the agenda. I'll just open it up for any general remarks or comments before we move to adjourn. [1:33:36, 1:33:48]: All right, hearing none, um do we have a motion to adjourn? I move to adjourn. Thank you, councilman. Any uh any c any conversation or [1:33:48, 1:33:49]: About that. [1:33:50, 1:33:50]: All right. [1:33:50, 1:33:52]: All those in favor, raise your hand. [1:33:53, 1:33:57]: Thank you everyone. I really appreciate your work. Um have a good evening. [1:33:57, 1:34:00]: Good night. Good night. Thank you. Have a good night.