---
date: 2024-03-19
title: Downtown Development Authority Agenda Packet
source: 2024-03/2024-03-19_Downtown Development Authority_Agenda Packet.pdf
pages: 1
---

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT Downtown Development
AUTHORITY OF THE
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE Authority
BOARD MEMBERS Meeting Agenda
Robert Anderson, Chair March 19, 2024 6:00 PM
Warren Washington, Vice-Chair
Frangela Merritt, Treasurer
Robert Swygert, Secretary
Darrell Stamper, Board Member
Vacant, Board Member
Councilmember Elton Alexander

ADMINISTRATION
Kim Allonce
Economic Development Director
Vacant
Main Street Manager

Cassandra Lester STOCKBRIDGE WELCOME CENTER

Recorder 130 M L KING SR. HERITAGE TRAIL

STOCKBRIDGE, GA 30281
Blake Sharpton
Website: www.stockbridgega.org
Attorney
Phone: 770-389-7900

Fax: 770-389-7912
AGENDA
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024 6:00 PM

I. Call to Order
1. Roll Call
Approve Today's Meeting Agenda
Approve January 23, 2024, Meeting Minutes
Approve February 20, 2024, Meeting Minutes
II. Officers and City Staff Reports
2. Chairman's Comments – Anderson
3. Vice Chair’s Comments - Washington
4. Treasurer's Update / Financial Report – Merritt
5. Secretary's Update - Swygert
III. New Business
6. Discussion: The Economic Development Strategic Plan for the City of
Stockbridge was presented to the City Council by the City Economic
Development Director as being “approved” by the DDA prior to the
February 27, 2024, Council Work Session.
7. Discussion: At the February 27, 2024, City Council Work Session, Kira
Harris-Braggs, Stockbridge Main Street Program Manager, announced
the renaming options for the Ted Strickland Building and persuaded the
Council to approve the listing on the signage that the DDA has “office
space” within the building.
8. Review of the DDA Bylaws.
IV. Old Business
9. Sale status of 114 MLK Sr. Heritage Trail
V. City Staff Reports / City Council Update
10. Main Street Advisory Board Updates - Allonce
City Economic Development - Director Allonce
City Council Updates - Councilmember Alexander
VI. DDA Round Table
VII. Adjourn
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Tuesday, January 23, 2024 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Board Members City Staff
Frangela Merritt, Chair - Present Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk - Present
Vacant, Vice Chair Kim Allonce – Economic Development Director - Present
Robert Swygert, Secretary - Present Kira Harris-Braggs, Main Street Manager - Absent
Robert Anderson, Board Member - Present
Warren Washington, Board Member - Present Guest Speaker
Darrell Stamper, Board Member – Absent
Elton Alexander, City Councilmember - Present

Chair Merritt called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.

Secretary Swygert proceeded with a roll call. All members were present except Board Member
Stamper.

Chair Merritt called for a motion to approve the meeting Agenda. Motion to approve the Agenda
made by Board Member Swygert; seconded by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed
unanimously 5-0.

Chair Merritt Chair called for motion to approve the December 21, 2023 meeting Minutes. Board
Member Swygert motioned to approve; seconded by Board Member Washington. The motion
passed unanimously 5-0.

Officer Reports
Chair’s Comments-Merritt
Chair Merritt gave an overview of the Agenda and noted she would not seek re-election for the
Chair position and needed to step back for personal reasons.

Treasurer Update-Richardson-Financial Report
No Update – Financials will be provided at the next meeting, noting the Treasurer position is
vacant.

Secretary Update-Swygert
No Updates

New Business
Selection of DDA Liaison to Main Street Advisory Board, Election of 2024 Officers, and Formation
of Sub-Committees

Board Member Merritt reviewed the roles and responsibilities, and focal point of each position.

Board Member Merritt agreed to serve as Main Street Advisory Board/DDA Liaison, noting the
Liaison works closely with Main Street and attends their meetings. Motion to appoint Board
Member Merrit as the MSAB/DDA Liaison made by Board Member Anderson; seconded by
Councilman Alexander. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Motion to appoint Robert Anderson Board Chair made by Councilman Alexander; seconded by
Board Member Washington. The motion passed 4-0-1 (Board Member Anderson Abstained).

Page 1 of 3
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Tuesday, January 23, 2024 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Motion to appoint Warren Washington Board Vice-Chair made by Councilman Alexander;
seconded by Board Member Swygert. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Motion to appoint Frangela Merritt Board Treasurer made by Councilman Alexander; seconded by
Board Member Washington. The motion passed 4-0-1 (Merritt Abstained).

Motion to appoint Robert Swygert Board Secretary made by Board Member Anderson; seconded
by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 4-0-1 (Swygert Abstained).

Executive Session – Real Estate Matters
Motion to convene Executive Session to discuss Real Estate made by Board Member Swygert;
seconded by Board Member Washington. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Motion to adjourn Executive Session and approve the Executive Session Affidavit made by Board
Member Anderson; seconded by Councilman Alexander passed unanimously 5-0.

Motion to reconvene the meeting made by Councilman Alexander; seconded by Board Member
Washington passed 5-0.

Motion to accept the proposal from Sylvain Capitol Ventures and sell of 114 M L King, Sr.
Heritage Trail to Sylvain Capitol Ventures in the amount of $70,000 cash with a ten (10) day close,
and Whitebox the 114 M L King Sr. Heritage Trail property in 90 days made by Board Member
Washington; seconded by Board Member Swygert. The motion passed 4-0-1 (Alexander
Abstained).

City Staff Reports
Main Street
Mr. Allonce noted some of the Main Street Advisory Board members renewed their terms, which
was great news, noting the Planning of the Annual Retreat and Strategic Planning is underway,
and the DDA is invited, with more details coming.

City Staff Updates- Kim Allonce, Stockbridge Economic Development Director
Mr. Allonce noted he is presenting a Draft Economic Development presentation to the Mayor &
Council during the January 30th Work Session Meeting where he will request feedback and input
from the Council with final adoption at the end of February.

Chair Merritt noted Roger Custin and Barbara Richardson would not be returning to the Board and
wished Ms. Richardson all the best; noted a new member has been appointed, and the Board
would be electing new officers in January.

Council Updates
Councilmember Elton Alexander referenced his re-election for four more years as a member of
the City Council and referenced the newest member, Mayor Pro Tem Berry; noted the City
Council is planning a Retreat off site to Sandy Springs with a tour to see how like-minded cities
have done things; noted the Jodeco-Argento project does not look like anything else in Henry
County or Stockbridge; and noted the RSVP is intended to attract young professionals with
Page 2 of 3
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Tuesday, January 23, 2024 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

families and also attract an active crowd; noted the city has an electric vehicle charging station
located in the Amphitheater parking lot; noted the city continues to grow with developments
coming to the I-75 area; noted Serafino’s on Eagles Landing Parkway has completed its
renovations and is a full service fine dining restaurant here in the City of Stockbridge; and noted
the utilities have been relocated along E. Atlanta Rd. and Lee Street to keep those projects
moving forward.

Chair Merritt called for a motion to adjourn. Councilman Alexander motioned to adjourn the
meeting at 8:28 p.m.; seconded by Board Member Washington. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
Minutes written by City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday.

Executive Session Criteria GA Code
Discuss or vote to authorize the settlement of a matter covered by the attorney-client 50-14-2(1) and
privilege. Identify the case or claim discussed but not the substance of the attorney-client 50-14-3(b)(1)(A)
discussion.
Discuss or vote to authorize negotiations to purchase, dispose of or lease property. 50-14-3(b)(1)(B)
Discuss or vote to authorize the ordering of an appraisal related to the acquisition or 50-14-3(b)(1)(C)
disposal of real estate.
Discuss or vote to enter into a contract to purchase, dispose of, or lease property subject to 50-14-3(b)(1)(D)
approval in a subsequent public vote.
Discuss or vote to enter into an option to purchase, dispose of, or lease real estate. 50-14-3(b)(1)(E)
Discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, 50-14-3(b)(2)
disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or
employee.
Meeting to interview one or more applicants for the position of the executive head of an 50-14-3(b)(2)
agency.
A meeting otherwise required to be open was closed to the public in order to consult and 50-14-2(1)
meet with legal counsel pertaining to pending or potential litigation, settlement, claims,
administrative proceedings, or other judicial actions brought or to be brought by or against
the agency or any officer or employee or in which the agency or any officer or employee
may be directly involved and the matter discussed was [identify the matter but not the
substance of the discussion.
Staff meeting held for investigative purposes under duties or responsibilities imposed by 50-14-3(a) (1)
law.

Page 3 of 3
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Tuesday, February 20, 2024 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Board Members City Staff
Robert Anderson, Chair - Present Cassandra Lester, Deputy City Clerk - Present
Warren Washington, Vice Chair - Present Kim Allonce – Economic Development Director - Present
Frangela Merritt, Treasurer - Present Kira Harris-Braggs, Main Street Manager - Absent
Robert Swygert, Secretary - Present
Darrell Stampler, Board Member - Absent Guest Speaker
Vacant, Board Member Brian Stockton – Woodstock DDA – Via Zoom
Elton Alexander, City Councilmember - Present Madison Beaulieu – Woodstock Office of Economic
Development – Via Zoom

Chair Anderson called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.

Secretary Swygert proceeded with a roll call. All members were present except Board Member
Stamper.

Chair Anderson called for a motion to approve the meeting Agenda. Motion to approve the
Agenda made by Board Member Swygert; seconded by Board Member Merritt. The motion
passed 4-0-1 (Alexander Abstained).

Chair Anderson called for a motion to approve the January 23rd, 2024, meeting Minutes. Board
Member Merritt requested a correction to the Minutes under the “Officer Reports” section. Mr.
Allonce requested a correction to the Minutes under the “City Staff Reports” section.

Board Member Merritt called for motion to table approval of the January 23rd, 2024, meeting
Minutes until the March 19th, 2024, meeting; seconded by Board Member Swygert. The motion
passed 4-0-1 (Alexander Abstained).

Officer Reports
Chair’s Comments-Anderson
Chair Anderson gave an update on the contract status with Sylvain Capitol Ventures.

Treasurer Update-Merritt-Financial Report
Board Member Merritt reports that her name has been added to the DDA bank account. Board
Member Merritt plans to add all executive officers as bank account signatories. Board Member
Merritt verbally gave current financial reports to board members from December 31, 2023, and
January 31, 2024.

Secretary Update-Swygert
No Updates

New Business
MLK Sr. Heritage Trail Small Business Growth and Activity Presentation
Mr. Allonce introduced trends in economic development. He discussed how the industry is moving
towards entrepreneurship and mentioned the Stockbridge Fasttrac, a 10-week entrepreneurship
course created in partnership with Kauffman Fasttrac. Mr. Allonce suggested exploring the idea of
developing a Co-work Café in Stockbridge using the empty Barn Beautiful location.

Page 1 of 3
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Tuesday, February 20, 2024 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

At 6:30 pm, Brian Stockton, City of Woodstock DDA Executive Director, and Madison Beaulieu,
City of Woodstock Operations Manager for Economic Development, joined the meeting via Zoom
to present the Woodstock Maker Incubator - Made Mercantile business model. They explained
that it is a collaborative effort between the Woodstock DDA and an intergovernmental agreement
with the City of Woodstock that provides access to workspace, retail, and education. They also
discussed funding sources and the program's sustainability model.

Mr. Allonce suggested to the DDA Board that if they wanted to explore the idea of an
entrepreneurial incubator similar to the City of Woodstock's Maker Incubator - Made Mercantile,
the DDA Board will have to define the potential partnership roles, responsibilities, and
contributions of both the DDA and the City of Stockbridge. He agreed to do research and present
a 3-year operations projection at the next board meeting.

The DDA Board members presented their questions and discussed the feasibility of the idea.

Old Business
MLK Sr. Heritage Art Project
Board Member Merritt motioned to table the art project until more financial information is available;
seconded by Board Member Swygert. The motion passed 4-0-1 (Alexander Abstained).

Executive Session – Real Estate Matters
No Updates

City Staff Reports
Main Street
Mr. Allonce updated the board of Kira Harris-Bragg’s last day as the Downtown Development
Manager.

City Staff Updates- Kim Allonce, Stockbridge Economic Development Director
Mr. Allonce noted the city council will vote on the EDSP at the work session meeting on February
27th and is hopeful the council will approve it; Noted the closing of the Holloway project this Friday.

Council Updates
Councilmember Elton Alexander commented that he will abstain on votes during this meeting
since his term as DDA Liaison expired at the end of January 2024; noted that the City Council will
reappoint a DDA Liaison at the Work Session on February 27th, 2024; noted the City Council was
inspired by their visit to Sandy Springs and commended the City of Sandy Springs on their City
Hall and downtown area; noted the Sandy Springs City Hall has an art center, restaurant, meeting
space, banquet hall and awning deck overlooking green space that is called “City Springs”; noted
that the City Council proposed to include City of Stockbridge-City Hall Renovations in the
upcoming SPLOST: noted SPLOST 6 has a tentative commitment to creating youth and senior
center; noted the walkable multi-use trail may be named “City Bridge”; noted the downtown area
has no specific name and “City Bridge” would give the downtown area a distinct identity; noted the
downtown area is now a quiet zone; noted the 2024 Amphitheater concert season has been
announced;
Page 2 of 3
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Tuesday, February 20, 2024 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

noted a new townhome community was approved on E. Atlanta Rd; noted a new townhome
community was approved on North Henry; noted a proposed coffee shop to be located at Rock
Quarry and North Henry Blvd.; noted a single family/ tiny home community located at Rock Quarry
Rd and Old Conyers has been proposed; noted Lee Street has been realigned; noted that turn
lanes from E. Atlanta to Love Street will be complete in March.

Chair Anderson called for a motion to adjourn. Board Member Swygert motioned to adjourn the
meeting at 8:18 p.m.; seconded by Board Member Merritt. The Motion passed 4-0-1 (Alexander
Abstained). Minutes written by Deputy City Clerk, Cassandra Lester.

Executive Session Criteria GA Code
Discuss or vote to authorize the settlement of a matter covered by the attorney-client 50-14-2(1) and
privilege. Identify the case or claim discussed but not the substance of the attorney-client 50-14-3(b)(1)(A)
discussion.
Discuss or vote to authorize negotiations to purchase, dispose of or lease property. 50-14-3(b)(1)(B)
Discuss or vote to authorize the ordering of an appraisal related to the acquisition or 50-14-3(b)(1)(C)
disposal of real estate.
Discuss or vote to enter into a contract to purchase, dispose of, or lease property subject to 50-14-3(b)(1)(D)
approval in a subsequent public vote.
Discuss or vote to enter into an option to purchase, dispose of, or lease real estate. 50-14-3(b)(1)(E)
Discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, 50-14-3(b)(2)
disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or
employee.
Meeting to interview one or more applicants for the position of the executive head of an 50-14-3(b)(2)
agency.
A meeting otherwise required to be open was closed to the public in order to consult and 50-14-2(1)
meet with legal counsel pertaining to pending or potential litigation, settlement, claims,
administrative proceedings, or other judicial actions brought or to be brought by or against
the agency or any officer or employee or in which the agency or any officer or employee
may be directly involved and the matter discussed was [identify the matter but not the
substance of the discussion.
Staff meeting held for investigative purposes under duties or responsibilities imposed by 50-14-3(a) (1)
law.

Page 3 of 3
Economic Development Department
Kim Allonce— ED Director
“To be the most progressive business
and family-oriented community in
Metro Atlanta with a focus on enhanced
Quality of Life initiatives which promote
a sustainable “Live, Work, Play”
environment.”
Downtown CoworkCafé
Entrepreneurship-Led Economic Development
The 4 th Wave in Economic Development
 Community-centered around small business
creation, sustainability, and growth
 Building an inclusive entrepreneurial
ecosystem (IEDC)
 Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
 Technical Assistance Programs
 Business Resources
 Business Incubators
 More than 300 home-based businesses
 How do we start?
From Barn Beautiful…

To Coworking + Coffee = CoworkCafé

Downtown CoworkCafé
 Membership-based Makerspace with a Coffee Shop in Downtown
 Owned and operated by the Downtown Development Authority and the City of
Stockbridge
 Provide studio space to existing Stockbridge entrepreneurs
 Membership Fee: $300-$500/month
 Provide retail space to test business concepts/products
 Commission Rate: 70/30
 Makers to be selected via a competitive process
 Rental Agreement: between 6 months to 18 months
 Coffee Shop in partnership with a local business owner
 Rental Rate to be determined
Proposed Operations Plan (FY24-27)
 Downtown Development Authority
 Funding for building expenses
 Property lease
 Building improvements
 City of Stockbridge
 Funding for operating expenses
 Staff the makerspace
 Oversee management and programming
 Marketing

SWOT Analysis
STRENGTHS + WEAKNESSES –
Government Support Limited Awareness
Access to Resources Competition
Community Engagement Sustainability
Location Operating Expenses
Educational Opportunities

OPPORTUNITIES + THREATS –
Collaborative Partnerships
Budget Constraints
Diverse Programming
Technology
Economic Development
Political Resistance
Talent Retention
Market Uncertainty
Tourism

Financial Projections
Line Item FY24 (4 months) FY25 FY26 FY27 TOTAL
INCOME
MEMBERSHIP $ 2,800.00 $ 15,000.00 $ 25,000.00 $ 40,000.00 $ 82,800.00
RETAIL SALES $ 8,000.00 $ 40,000.00 $ 60,000.00 $ 80,000.00 $ 188,000.00
EVENTS $ - $ 5,000.00 $ 7,500.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 22,500.00
SALES TAX COLLECTED $ 640.00 $ 3,200.00 $ 4,800.00 $ 6,400.00 $ 8,640.00

TOTAL INCOME $ 11,440.00 $ 63,200.00 $ 97,300.00 $ 136,400.00 $ 301,940.00

OPERATIONAL EXPENSES
MANAGEMENT $ - $ - $ - $ -
CONSIGNMENT PAYMENTS $ 4,800.00 $ 24,000.00 $ 36,000.00 $ 48,000.00 $ 112,800.00
EVENTS $ 2,000.00 $ 2,000.00 $ 2,000.00 $ 2,000.00 $ 8,000.00
MARKETING $ 2,500.00 $ 2,500.00 $ 2,500.00 $ 2,500.00 $ 10,000.00
MEMBER EVENTS/APPRECIATION $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 4,000.00
PROCESSING FEES $ 320.00 $ 1,600.00 $ 2,400.00 $ 3,200.00 $ 7,520.00
RENT $ 21,000.00 $ 36,000.00 $ 36,000.00 $ 36,000.00 $ 129,000.00
SALES TAX PAID $ 640.00 $ 3,200.00 $ 4,800.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 14,640.00
BUILDING SUPPLIES $ 5,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 20,000.00
RETAIL SUPPLIES $ 3,500.00 $ 3,500.00 $ 3,500.00 $ 3,500.00 $ 14,000.00
UTILITIES $ 6,000.00 $ 6,500.00 $ 7,000.00 $ 7,500.00 $ 27,000.00

TOTAL EXPENSES $ 46,760.00 $ 85,300.00 $ 100,200.00 $ 114,700.00 $ 346,960.00

OPERATIONAL INCOME/LOSS $ (35,320.00) $ (22,100.00) $ (2,900.00) $ 21,700.00 $ (45,020.00)

BUILD OUT EXPENSES
CONSTRUCTION $ 20,000.00 $ - $ - $ - $ -
FIXTURES $ 10,000.00 $ - $ - $ - $ -

TOTAL BUILD OUT EXPENSES $ 30,000.00 $ - $ - $ - $ -

TOTAL EXPENSES $ 76,760.00 $ 85,300.00 $ 100,200.00 $ 114,700.00 $ 346,960.00

TOTAL INCOME/LOSS $ (65,320.00) $ (22,100.00) $ (2,900.00) $ 21,700.00 $ (45,020.00)

10
Next Steps
 March 2024
 DDA Approval
 April 2024
 City of Stockbridge Approval
 Lease Negotiations
 May 2024
 Lease Agreement
 Building Improvements
 July 2024
 Ribbon Cutting
 Open for Business
11
Questions?
